Very Fine Sinhalese Halberd blade Patisthanaya with chiselled silver

A beautiful smaller size Halberd or polearm head from Sri Lanka ( Ceylon) known as a Patisthanaya. Retaining virtually all of its original thick silver covering and most exquisitely decorated in high relief with scrolling tenrdils feathers and a small demon mask to the uppermost panel. The lower part with four iron straps for attaching the head securely to the shaft, also covered with thick sheet silver. The blade of small size and having a dark patina showing the considerable age of this piece. The decorative devices shown here are most commonly seen on the Sinhalese knife the Piha kaetta, but rarely survive in such excellent condition on pole arms. 12.5 inches long overall approximately. indo persian