The Indian PATA and the mysterious MANOPLE

[werecow]

Could it be a Hanuman face maybe?

[David R]

I was thinking Tiger head, and google lens suggested Tiger or Lion!

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you guys for responses!
Ian this is excellent and as you indicate, mine is certainly not unique. This is encouraging as it supports the idea that these distinctively decorated hilts may be to a Garuda oriented warrior cult.

As suggested earlier, perhaps these hilts are paired with venerated blades, typically older, and possibly these blades were significant as having belonged to noted warriors (much as the monuments made for them).

Often the hilts can also be older, as this one which is 17-18th c. and much later blade.

In the case of this example, the figure depicted in the hilt is a makara, which was also associated as a vishnu of Garuda.

[werecow]

To elaborate, the reason I was thinking it might be Hanuman are the "cheeks", the third eye, the human nose, and the fact that he is a deity. Although the ears admittedly seem a bit cat like.

[Ian]

Werecow,

That seems a good suggestion. The ears are a significant difference I think, but the third eye is a very good observation and a strong point for your ID.

Regards, ian.

[Jim McDougall]

I agree, that image really helps a lot. It seems there a lot of variations in the depictions of these deities.