FIGURAL HILTS -- Bird (Demon)

ganjawulung · 2nd June 2008, 02:47 PM

Dear All,

One type of figural hilts I sought much, is "tajong" hilt. Hopefully, I didn't get the wrong exampe. Or, is this "touristic" item?

What I am eager to know is the philosophy behind the motive, why bird or demon-bird? Regarding the form of beak, is it White-collared Kingfisher (Halcyon chloris), Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata), Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)? But I think it is not Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting) or Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)...

David · 2nd June 2008, 06:40 PM

Ganja, i am not too sure that it is any kind of bird at all. I think some answers might be found in the wayang.

Rick · 2nd June 2008, 10:37 PM

Post # 6

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=tajong

David · 3rd June 2008, 02:34 AM

Good link Rick, but i notice that Ganja was in on that thread so i would imagine this info is not new to him.

ganjawulung · 3rd June 2008, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Ganja, i am not too sure that it is any kind of bird at all. I think some answers might be found in the wayang.

Bird-headed deity? I don't find any figure such this in wayang world (it might be long nosed creature with teeth and fang). Jatayu -- in Ramayana epic, was really giant-bird, son of Garuda which saved Sinta (the wife of Rama) from demon king, Rawana... In Indian version, Jatayu is the Vulture King.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Post # 6

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=tajong

Thanks alot Rick, to remind me to the old thread. But it is likely I found another style of "tajong" hilt (or not tajong?), with hand-position like Jawa-demam. One with crossed-hand, and the other -- with different form of beak -- with its hands in its knees.. The second one is more bird-like figure.

Alam Shah · 3rd June 2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganjawulung

... But it is likely I found another style of "tajong" hilt (or not tajong?), with hand-position like Jawa-demam. One with crossed-hand, and the other -- with different form of beak -- with its hands in its knees.. The second one is more bird-like figure.

Hi Pak Jimmy,
These seems to be Lampung, Sumatra type hilts.

Alam Shah · 3rd June 2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ganjawulung

Dear All,

One type of figural hilts I sought much, is "tajong" hilt. Hopefully, I didn't get the wrong exampe. Or, is this "touristic" item?

Yes, it is a 'Tajong' hilt but I don't think it's of a Northern Malaysian origin. The motifs and aesthetics are not the typical design. Let's wait for Kai Wee to comment.

ganjawulung · 4th June 2008, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

Yes, it is a 'Tajong' hilt but I don't think it's of a Northern Malaysian origin. The motifs and aesthetics are not the typical design. Let's wait for Kai Wee to comment.

Dear Shahrial,

Thank you, for the valuable explanation. If you don't mind, would you please post some pictures of the typical design of Tajong. I mean, the specific characteristics of Northern Malaysian or Pattani aesthetics. I think it will be good for me and other forumites to learn on this specific style in keris handle by comparing the difference...

Alam Shah · 4th June 2008, 06:53 AM

Ganjawulung,

Kindly have a look at Dave's article here:
Tajong of the Northern Malaysian Peninsular.

Recommended reading, "Spirit of Wood: The Art of Malay Woodcarving" book.

ganjawulung · 4th June 2008, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

Ganjawulung,

Kindly have a look at Dave's article here:
Tajong of the Northern Malaysian Peninsular.

Recommended reading, "Spirit of Wood: The Art of Malay Woodcarving" book.

Dear Shahrial,

Thanks a lot, for your recomendation. I've look at the site in the web, and I've found it is indeed very useful information for me. And below, it is just an intermezzo, photo of a "souvenir like" sumatran hilt, with strange ornament (lizard?) above the demon-bird figure's head...

BluErf · 4th June 2008, 03:43 PM

I guess thread #6 is a good refresher.

But I must say the carvers in Indonesia is getting better! The form is correct, although still a bit stiff, but the motifs are way off. The wood is not any of the traditional types used to carve tajong. I'm not sure if its Malaysian wood in the first place.

But anyway, things have come full circle - the garuda/rashaksa hilts originally from Java, that travelled up Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia to evolve into the tajong, has now "returned home".

2nd June 2008, 02:47 PM	#1
ganjawulung Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: J a k a r t a Posts: 991	FIGURAL HILTS -- Bird (Demon) Dear All, One type of figural hilts I sought much, is "tajong" hilt. Hopefully, I didn't get the wrong exampe. Or, is this "touristic" item? What I am eager to know is the philosophy behind the motive, why bird or demon-bird? Regarding the form of beak, is it White-collared Kingfisher (Halcyon chloris), Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata), Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)? But I think it is not Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting) or Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)... Attached Images

2nd June 2008, 06:40 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,098	Ganja, i am not too sure that it is any kind of bird at all. I think some answers might be found in the wayang.

2nd June 2008, 10:37 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,287	Post # 6 http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=tajong

3rd June 2008, 02:34 AM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,098	Good link Rick, but i notice that Ganja was in on that thread so i would imagine this info is not new to him.

4th June 2008, 06:53 AM	#9
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	Ganjawulung, Kindly have a look at Dave's article here: Tajong of the Northern Malaysian Peninsular. Recommended reading, "Spirit of Wood: The Art of Malay Woodcarving" book.

4th June 2008, 03:43 PM	#11
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	I guess thread #6 is a good refresher. But I must say the carvers in Indonesia is getting better! The form is correct, although still a bit stiff, but the motifs are way off. The wood is not any of the traditional types used to carve tajong. I'm not sure if its Malaysian wood in the first place. But anyway, things have come full circle - the garuda/rashaksa hilts originally from Java, that travelled up Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia to evolve into the tajong, has now "returned home".