searching for the right dapur??

[Moshah]

Sorry for abruptly interrupt your discussions, pak gonjo & pak alan...

I just want to know what is the thing with turtle shell? Is it a common stuff for decoration, like using whale ivory for a hilt, or are there some other meaning to it?

I don't happen to hear this so often, at least not in my country...

[ganjawulung]

Originally Posted by Moshah

I just want to know what is the thing with turtle shell? Is it a common stuff for decoration, like using whale ivory for a hilt, or are there some other meaning to it?

I don't happen to hear this so often, at least not in my country...

Yes, it was in the past, before javanese people knew plastic thing. I remember, my late grand mother in Kusumayudan (traditional residence -- now a hotel, Prince Kusumayudan or Kusuma Sahid Prince Hotel in Solo) used to wear hair bun or chignon made of real turtle shell. It was used for keris ornaments too, usually for decorating the gap of "blewahan" pendhok. Practical intention, only. No certain spiritual or intangible meaning of it, IMHO...

GANJAWULUNG

[Moshah]

Originally Posted by ganjawulung

Yes, it was in the past, before javanese people knew plastic thing. I remember, my late grand mother in Kusumayudan (traditional residence -- now a hotel, Prince Kusumayudan or Kusuma Sahid Prince Hotel in Solo) used to wear hair bun or chignon made of real turtle shell. It was used for keris ornaments too, usually for decorating the gap of "blewahan" pendhok. Practical intention, only. No certain spiritual or intangible meaning of it, IMHO...

GANJAWULUNG

Thanks for the explanation.

I ought to suspect it is somewhat serve the same function as ivory on keris, but I compelled to ask because I see turtle shell usage is less often than ivory, in keris busana.

[ganjawulung]

Yes Moshah,
Less usage than ivory. In the old days, in decoration assesories some times we found bracelet, ring and neclace made of turtle shell... Even guitar picker

GANJAWULUNG

[David]

Originally Posted by Moshah

I just want to know what is the thing with turtle shell? Is it a common stuff for decoration, like using whale ivory for a hilt, or are there some other meaning to it?

Yes, as Ganja has mentioned it is a decorative material often used just as it is on your keris. I consider it a higher end material when on sheaths, not to the extent of ivory though, but nice. Just as ivory and horn don't seem to hold any particular spiritual significance in this usage i also don't think turtle shell is anything but decorative.