The Sinhalese Kastane: Its Development, Decoration and Symbolism

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

To show further the broad regional influence of Makara Design/ Decoration. From Tibet and China in pictures below.

WITH SUCH A VAST DISTRIBUTION THE QUESTION HAS TO BE FROM WHERE DID THE MAKARA ON THE SENDAI ORIGINATE? ...SINCE HERE ARE 10 COUNTRIES IN THE FRAME WITH STONE CARVINGS ~

Makara in the Nanpaya Temple, Bagan, Borneo.
Makara at Sambor Prei Kuk Temple, Kampong Thom Town, Cambodia.
Makara in the north of the Qi dynasty (EC 550-577) in China.
Makara and Kirtimukha protecting the portal of the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, India.
Sculptures of Makara at Candi Kalasan Temple, Indonesia.
Makara in Wat (Temple) ThatPhun, Vientiane, Laos.
Makara of the seventh century AD. in the National Museum of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Makara and Kirtimukha at the Hindu Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Makara with Nagas, Wat (Temple) Suthat, Bangkok, Thailand.
Cham Naga god coming out of Makara's mouth at the National History Museum of Vietnam.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

In terms of a home grown Machete in Sri Lanka there is of course... THE Veecharuval ... seen below as a broad bladed weapon on a black backround and a tip somewhat upturned which could be remodeled with a clipped tip etc...Shown also Falchion capable of being refitted and made to look like the Machete form we are observing in both the Pihao stone freize and the Sendai. I include the sketch of Dutch landing in Eastern Ceylon early in the Portuguese period..and the Machete weapon in the hands of a tribal warrior also very like the Machete style under scrutiny.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Another region ....The Malibar Coast has been examined for Makara decorated blades...See below the Ayda Katti or Moplah. In the case of the shorter bladed weapon sometimes called a South Indian cleaver...The sword was without a scabbard, being held in a wide belt worn on the back. Both styles showing the distinctive Makara on the blades...in these examples at the throat.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Could it be that the Sri Lankan weapon shown here in a simple woodcut is in fact a Falchion ...see example.

This is an early landing by a Dutch group in Eastern Sri Lanka where the right hand tribal warrior is holding a similar weapon...Is this the Falchion? A remarkably similar weapon to the Stone Freize weapon.

This picture(kNOX) with RELATION DE CEYLAN has another warrior at right with a similar weapon...

A picture in the hands of a European is shown to compare ...

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Further reference showing the Buddhist influence on sword design in some cases as far afield as Japan. The use of Vajra as Quilons on these swords is apparent and widespread.

Below:
1. Japanese Buddha Statue with Sword; Illustrating Vajra Quillons.
2. Kastane for comparison.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Illustration of Vajra Quillons on an Indian Tulvar Hilt. The architecture on the Quillons and on the Knuckleguard is virtually identical to that on the Kastane shown for comparison.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

It is quite rare to find accurate well preserved examples of Makara and Vajra Quillons on blades and hilts thus when one appears it truly shows the architectural influence across regions when considered in a religious viewpoint in this case Buddhist. This has proved a link to the sword decoration on Sri Lankan Kastane and on other weapons in the region from many sources including Tibet in the case of this example, India and other Eastern countries.

Of special note the Makara present on this and the Sendai Museum blade at #185 springs to mind when considering Makara on blades pointing firmly to this Buddhist influence and away from any European design impact.

Whilst this Purba is 19thC or before many go back to 10TH OR 11 THC or before.