17 C. Dagger Handle with Yali Head Pommel.

Yali  is a mysterious creature in the Indian mythology, mostly in central and south India. It is found on many art works from the 16 C. and later. It is described as a creature combining features of  lion and/or elephant and/or horse in various combinations and shapes. It is considered to be stronger and more powerful than a lion and a tiger and hence its shape was added to daggers and swords handles.

The dagger handle offered here  is a  heavy cast bronze. The pommel is shaped as the Yali monster head with fully opened mouth and out stretching  tongue. Faceted grip body and chiseled foliate form langets. Deccan. Early 17 C. or about.

Length  6 1/2 inches (16 cm). Very good condition. Authentic and rare dagger handle