Thanks for the information Mark. I think we're in agreement about the weird features (fretwork on the scabbard, Chinese guard), and it's certainly helpful to see some kachin dhas with the openwork scabbards.
So far as the jaw goes, I'm pretty sure it's not a tiger (it's too small, and those look like mature teeth in the picture), and until I hit the books and check out skulls in depth, I'd guess dog. Assuming that this ID is correct, I'd guess that the designer of the scabbard knew that the scabbards are supposed to have a talismanic jaw attached, and found a jaw to attach. It's also possible that it does have talismanic significance, but the composite features bug me.
Neat piece though, and it's good that we're having a discussion over it.
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