Raksasa

[VVV]

Originally Posted by tunggulametung

Michael, I remember the so considered Yaksha hilt in Kampungnet forum. If I may learn from you, what makes you think that the character is Yaksha? I remember that this hilt has a tail like design on its back, and always thought that its a wanara, a monkey like Hanoman etc. But I think the answer is on the leaf and flower being caried, the mudra or the gesture.

Here is the hilt from the left, back and right side too.
As you can see there are several flowers with stalks on the hilt,
more than "usual", so I suspect that there is a reason for it?
Also it looks to me like vines and branches of a tree.
What he holds in its hands is a puzzle but maybe it could be a Kayon?

A Yaksha, translated as a ghost in Dictionary of Hindu Lore and
Legend, are connected to the creative forces of a deity.

"It eventually became a collective noun for mysterious semi-divine
beeings, who can assume any form at will, living in forests, trees,
caves and jungles and play a prominent role in Indian mythology and
folklore. They were said to inhabit the sacred tree in each village
and to protect the prosperity and well-being of the community."

It also says that some of the yakshas

"...were assimilated into main deites, such as Shiva, as exemplified by his epithet
Virupaksha, which originally was the name of a yaksha."

But I am open to ther suggestions?

Michael