Kebo Lajer - dapur meaning?

[A. G. Maisey]

Pak Ganja, I don't believe I added anything to the interpretation of "kebo". My comments related only to the possibility of variation in meaning of the word "lajer".

However, since you have drawn our attention to the use of "Kebo" as a designation, or perhaps title, for men in times past, it may be worth noting that some scholars of Old Javanese are of the opinion that the word "Kebo" could have denoted a grouping, or classification of soldier in ancient times. ( Ref. Zoetmulder)

In respect of "kebo teki" , in Old Javanese, this referred to a type of grass.

In Modern Javanese "teki" is the name of a type of grass, possibly the same grass as was known by the name "kebo teki" in Old Javanese.

The symbolism of the kerbau in Javanese belief is well known, and I am certain that your knowledge in this respect would far outweigh my own, thus perhaps you may care to expand upon this subject?

[ganjawulung]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

However, since you have drawn our attention to the use of "Kebo" as a designation, or perhaps title, for men in times past, it may be worth noting that some scholars of Old Javanese are of the opinion that the word "Kebo" could have denoted a grouping, or classification of soldier in ancient times. ( Ref. Zoetmulder)

Very interesting interpretation, Alan. Especially that you noting on some scholars of Old Javanese such as one of the most respectful Old Javanolog Mr Zoetmulder, on the meaning of "kebo".

"Kebo" and "Mahisa" or "Mahesa, Maesa" has the same meaning of carabao or water buffalo, but different in grade. As you know too, that the word "kebo" is the ordinary word for water buffalo. But mahesa, is the more polite word for the same animal. This gradation of the kebo meaning, seems to be used also in naming some one. "Kebo" is for naming attendants of important people (for instance, Kebo Ijo or Kebo Hijo -- green carabao -- the favourite attendant of Akuwu (governor) of Tumapel, Tunggul Ametung in the legend of Ken Arok or Ken Angrok -- then the first king of Singasari kingdom (at the beginning of 13th century). Ken Arok also named his son from wife Ken Dedes, a "higher" grade "kebo" name -- Mahisa Wong Ateleng...

The grand son of Ken Arok -- or the son of Mahisa Wong Ateleng -- also called another higher grade kebo, Mahisa Champaka...

Did the naming of "kebo" in kerises also came from this period?

GANJAWULUNG

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes, mahisa is found in the Old Javanese lexicon, it is actually Sanscrit which came into Kawi, not part of spoken Javanese, but part of the literary lexicon. Variations in the romanised spelling can be found in Modern Javanese, and are probably inconsequential.

I suspect that to attach any importance to the variation in usage of mahisa and kebo, when these words refer to a person, we would need to analyse both the original usage in manuscript and the date of the copy of the original, and the period of translation of that manuscript, and consider this against the background of the development of Moderrn Javanese at that time.As you would understand, not even the "original" manuscripts are truly originals, and variations in language can be found in old copies of these manuscripts, these variations can reflect the conventions of Javanese language which seem to have begun to make their appearance following the institution of the second Mataram era. It should be noted that in Old Javanese the word "maheswara" carries the meaning of a superior ruler.

As to the naming of kebo varieties of keris in the period where Old Javanese was used, we would probably need to carry out more research, however, Swellengrebel (1936) does mention kebo teki as a type of keris, and Zoetmulder apparently accepts this mention in the context of Old Javanese usage.Personally, I have my doubts; I suspect that Swellengrebel was mixing his Old Javanese and Modern Javanese.

[ganjawulung]

In modern Javanese, "maesa" still exist colloquially, a more polite word to mention the water buffalo in agricultural daily life in central and east Java. And the ordinary word for that is still, "kebo" but sometimes in a quite different connotation.
You may look for instance, this very popular idioms or proverbs in Javanese daily life. "Bodo longa-longo, kaya kebo" (So stupid, as stupid as carabao). This words will come into our mouth, when we are angry to someone we regarded so stupid. Why does in the modern day in Java, a "kebo" now become a stupid thing? In the modern Indonesia too. There is a 'negative' proverb too, regarding kebo word. "Seperti kerbau tercocok hidung" (not dare to move, nor to oppose at all, like carabao that has pricked in the nose -- a certain way to tame a carabao, just prick the nose and pull him with rope, that's all...)
Very different connotation of "kebo". A daring creature in the past, with more positive connotation, regarded to be stupid animal nowadays. Why?

GANJAWULUNG

[A. G. Maisey]

I would most humbly suggest that open discussion in a public forum may not be the most suitable place to discuss some apparent changes in Javanese social attitudes.

[ganjawulung]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

In respect of "kebo teki" , in Old Javanese, this referred to a type of grass.

In Modern Javanese "teki" is the name of a type of grass, possibly the same grass as was known by the name "kebo teki" in Old Javanese.

Yes, "teki" grass has a characteristic of not-easy-to-be-routed-out, because of its small tuber underground... Maybe the characteristic of this grass-root was suitable to symbolize the characteristic the traditional javanese grass-root. And this type of grass, in the past was not all unuseful. Ordinary people in the javanese village often used the dried-tubers of "teki" grass to be used as face-powder, the crushed teki tubers of course...

(Thanks a lot, Alan, for reminding me....)

GANJAWULUNG