Bangkol

A. G. Maisey · 30th July 2014, 06:49 AM

These three little hooks fall into the realm of extreme rarity. They are Javanese.

The two on the left are definitely bangkol. A bangkol is a hook that was worn on the sabuk and was used by a mounted warrior to hold the reins of his horse so he could use both hands to manage his weapons.

The hook on the right might be a bangkol, or it might be a hook used to support a thin strip of bambu that supports the sarung and holds it away from the body of a newly circumcised boy, in order to avoid irritating the wound.

The difference between these two similar items is that usually the hook used after circumcision is open on the bottom allowing it to be slipped over the belt, whereas the bangkol is closed at the bottom permitting positive fixing. However, often the circumcision hook has a hole in it somewhere that assists the fixing of the bambu, this one shown lacks the hole.

Iron and mamas, iron and gold.

Sajen · 30th July 2014, 01:55 PM

Have seen it before but don't have known what it is. Again, thank you for sharing and for solving the mystery.

A. G. Maisey · 30th July 2014, 02:22 PM

As I remarked, these things are pretty scarce, and I guess because of this they are often unknown, or mis-identified. In fact, they have even been mis-identified in museum exhibitions and authoritative publications.

Athanase · 26th December 2023, 05:12 PM

Hello,
After discovering the existence of these objects thanks to the subject on the Timang, I always had the hope of finding one for sale one day.
And it’s now done!

Here are 2 Bangkols :

A very simple bronze one which seems to be the oldest of the 2. We have the impression that the opening of the mouth was intended to accommodate something.

The second, made of iron, has lost 90% of its gold inlays and all its stones (probably Intans and Rubies). But it is dated December 7, 1841 or July 12, 1841

Athanase · 26th December 2023, 05:14 PM

The last pictures

kai · 26th December 2023, 08:45 PM

Congrats, Séverin!

Very nice examples: The Naga might well have held a ball in its mouth.

The iron one really exhibits great chiseling work - neat!

Regards,
Kai

30th July 2014, 06:49 AM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,892	Bangkol These three little hooks fall into the realm of extreme rarity. They are Javanese. The two on the left are definitely bangkol. A bangkol is a hook that was worn on the sabuk and was used by a mounted warrior to hold the reins of his horse so he could use both hands to manage his weapons. The hook on the right might be a bangkol, or it might be a hook used to support a thin strip of bambu that supports the sarung and holds it away from the body of a newly circumcised boy, in order to avoid irritating the wound. The difference between these two similar items is that usually the hook used after circumcision is open on the bottom allowing it to be slipped over the belt, whereas the bangkol is closed at the bottom permitting positive fixing. However, often the circumcision hook has a hole in it somewhere that assists the fixing of the bambu, this one shown lacks the hole. Iron and mamas, iron and gold. Attached Images

26th December 2023, 05:12 PM	#4
Athanase Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Paris (France) Posts: 408	Hello, After discovering the existence of these objects thanks to the subject on the Timang, I always had the hope of finding one for sale one day. And it’s now done! Here are 2 Bangkols : A very simple bronze one which seems to be the oldest of the 2. We have the impression that the opening of the mouth was intended to accommodate something. The second, made of iron, has lost 90% of its gold inlays and all its stones (probably Intans and Rubies). But it is dated December 7, 1841 or July 12, 1841 Attached Images

26th December 2023, 05:14 PM	#5
Athanase Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Paris (France) Posts: 408	The last pictures Attached Images

30th July 2014, 01:55 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Have seen it before but don't have known what it is. Again, thank you for sharing and for solving the mystery.

30th July 2014, 02:22 PM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,892	As I remarked, these things are pretty scarce, and I guess because of this they are often unknown, or mis-identified. In fact, they have even been mis-identified in museum exhibitions and authoritative publications.

26th December 2023, 08:45 PM	#6
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Congrats, Séverin! Very nice examples: The Naga might well have held a ball in its mouth. The iron one really exhibits great chiseling work - neat! Regards, Kai