Bronze Sword Hilt with Tiger-Head Pommel
Material: Bronze
Object Type: Sword hilt / sword handle
Period: Islamic / Indo-Islamic period
Probable Date: 18th–19th century CE (tentative)
This object is an elaborately decorated bronze sword hilt consisting of an elongated grip, a broad cross-guard, and a prominent tiger-like animal head with an open mouth forming the upper terminal or pommel. The grip is slightly curved and decorated with finely engraved floral and scrolling motifs, framed by ornamental borders. The cross-guard projects horizontally from the grip and terminates at both ends in ram head decorative elements.
The tiger-like head is modeled three-dimensionally, with an open mouth and projecting muzzle, giving the hilt a powerful zoomorphic character. The dark brown-black surface represents an aged patina, with areas of wear exposing the underlying bronze alloy.
The combination of the tiger-head pommel, engraved floral decoration, and elaborate cross-guard suggests that the sword was both a functional weapon and a decorative/status object.
