Blade Comparison...

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

... What is the connection with the hilt, though?

Just that it's facial features; big bulging eyes with a headgear of sort, nose (or beak) and ultraman's type mouth... (might be imaginary, though).

Generally, still not much clue except that it's probably Riau, Sumatra.
Most likely a variant of the Bugis hilt form.

[A. G. Maisey]

OK---got it. Thanks.