Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Talismanic or just randomly placed copper dots

VVV · 3rd September 2008, 08:55 PM

Interesting theory about adding old metal in the new kris.
I forgot before to mention that the motifs below the copper dots - the cross, the eight-petalled rosette and the double-cross - are all traditional "Folk Islam"- talismanic symbols (based on the number 5 [including the center]) to divert the effect of an opponent's evil eye. The principle is, similar to the old idea about cross-roads, to "disperse the evil energy issuing from the eye to all the quarters of the wind in order to prevent it from injuring the person or object looked at." [Westermarck, Pagan Survivals in Mohammedan Civilisation].

Michael

3rd September 2008, 08:55 PM	#16
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Interesting theory about adding old metal in the new kris. I forgot before to mention that the motifs below the copper dots - the cross, the eight-petalled rosette and the double-cross - are all traditional "Folk Islam"- talismanic symbols (based on the number 5 [including the center]) to divert the effect of an opponent's evil eye. The principle is, similar to the old idea about cross-roads, to "disperse the evil energy issuing from the eye to all the quarters of the wind in order to prevent it from injuring the person or object looked at." [Westermarck, Pagan Survivals in Mohammedan Civilisation]. Michael Last edited by VVV; 3rd September 2008 at 09:07 PM.