Ben,
Please compare with Dayak tattoos and mandau inlays.
Some meanings are lost, some are documented and most of the Dayak today don't know the meaning of them. And several of those who do doesn't want to reveal it to outsiders. But they all have, and originally had, a meaning except only being decorative.
I have experienced the same when travelling in other parts of SE Asia.
First there is no meaning or belief in the old traditions. But once you really get to know people, and they discover that you are seriously interested and don't belittle their beliefs, it's everywhere.
The same could of course be experienced in Sweden and Holland even if more is forgotten here.
The floral vine motif is quite often seen on Moro Kris blades.
Usually ending with a "tongue" or trisula.
For me that's quite obvious symbolism but maybe I am biased because of my interest in religions and old beliefs?
Michael
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