Lombok Keris Iconology

David · 27th July 2024, 10:13 PM

Just off the top of my head i would say that you have a nice keris there.
To my eyes the painting looks old, as in pre-WWII. I don't see a lot of these older sunggingan sheaths around so i would personal consider the rarity of this a big plus. I would agree that late 19th-early 20th century is a likely mark.
I am afraid i can't name the creature that is represented on the sarong, but it it seems to possibly be of a mythological origin.
Can we see a shot from the top of the gonjo while the keris is in the sheath?
I have seen these hair-wrapped Tapukan hilts used on suginggan keris before. In fact i have one, probably from the same period. I agree that in most cases they are horse hair. As for the uwer, i don't see any reason why the "stones" would not be original. While real rubies do make their way into Balinese dress, using genuine precious and semi-precious stones is not nearly as important as the look. You can even find glass and paste "stones" on rather high end keris, right along with some precious stones. That the fitting are brass might be another reason the setting were never real ruby. I would think for thos settings gold or sliver would be the norm.

A. G. Maisey · 29th July 2024, 05:44 AM

Based upon what i believe I can see, I have a similar opinion to David.

The frolicking little puppy is probably a winged lion, ie, singo barong.

David · 30th July 2024, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

. The frolicking little puppy is probably a winged lion, ie, singo barong.

I believe you are probably right about that. I hadn't noticed the wings at first.
Geoffry, the lion (singa) in Bali has Hindu-Buddhist origins. In Hinduism, the lion is an avatar of Vishnu. The Buddha sits upon the lion as a throne and it symbolizes the freedom and fearlessness of wisdom.
I have also read that the lion was associated with the Kshatriya caste. At least it is in Indian Hinduism.

G. Mansfield · 31st July 2024, 02:49 AM

Here are some additonal photos in sunlight along with the top view in sheath. I appreciate the information on the singa lion. I will look further into this symbolism. Thank you for the updated thoughts on what the image may represent.

Geoffrey

A. G. Maisey · 31st July 2024, 08:59 AM

When a member of the K'satriya Caste, ie, warrior cast is cremated, his petulangan (casket) is made in the form of a winged lion, other nobles of varying status are entitled to caskets in the form of other animals.

A Singo Barong need not have wings, but whether it is winged or not, it is still a hierarchical marker for a K'satriya.

In applications other than the cremation casket the Singo Barong performs a protective function, it is often placed above a gateway, or in the rafters of a house. When it is found on a keris, or keris dress, it has the function of protecting the keris from negative forces.

27th July 2024, 10:13 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Just off the top of my head i would say that you have a nice keris there. To my eyes the painting looks old, as in pre-WWII. I don't see a lot of these older sunggingan sheaths around so i would personal consider the rarity of this a big plus. I would agree that late 19th-early 20th century is a likely mark. I am afraid i can't name the creature that is represented on the sarong, but it it seems to possibly be of a mythological origin. Can we see a shot from the top of the gonjo while the keris is in the sheath? I have seen these hair-wrapped Tapukan hilts used on suginggan keris before. In fact i have one, probably from the same period. I agree that in most cases they are horse hair. As for the uwer, i don't see any reason why the "stones" would not be original. While real rubies do make their way into Balinese dress, using genuine precious and semi-precious stones is not nearly as important as the look. You can even find glass and paste "stones" on rather high end keris, right along with some precious stones. That the fitting are brass might be another reason the setting were never real ruby. I would think for thos settings gold or sliver would be the norm. Attached Images

31st July 2024, 02:49 AM	#4
G. Mansfield Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Colorado Posts: 91	Here are some additonal photos in sunlight along with the top view in sheath. I appreciate the information on the singa lion. I will look further into this symbolism. Thank you for the updated thoughts on what the image may represent. Geoffrey Attached Images

29th July 2024, 05:44 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,989	Based upon what i believe I can see, I have a similar opinion to David. The frolicking little puppy is probably a winged lion, ie, singo barong.

31st July 2024, 08:59 AM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,989	When a member of the K'satriya Caste, ie, warrior cast is cremated, his petulangan (casket) is made in the form of a winged lion, other nobles of varying status are entitled to caskets in the form of other animals. A Singo Barong need not have wings, but whether it is winged or not, it is still a hierarchical marker for a K'satriya. In applications other than the cremation casket the Singo Barong performs a protective function, it is often placed above a gateway, or in the rafters of a house. When it is found on a keris, or keris dress, it has the function of protecting the keris from negative forces.