Deity or Demon

[Anthony G.]

Hi folks, anyone has comprehension about this creature (hulu). Is it only in Java mainland and is it a deity or Demon, what is the name?
What does the wolf or dog symbolize?

[Jean]

A modern and fantasy depiction of a buta bajang (little ogre) hilt from NW Java showing a naga coiled around the neck and sucking the finger of the demon? Notice the Shiva eye on the forehead.
See an original piece on the next pic for comparison.

[Jean]

Silver hilt on resin.

[A. G. Maisey]

Agreed.

the usual indicator for a demon is fangs, in broad terms if the figure has fangs, he's a baddy

[jagabuwana]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Agreed.

the usual indicator for a demon is fangs, in broad terms if the figure has fangs, he's a baddy

If the keris is a shrine and the hulu guards it, how is it that a "baddy", demon or otherwise, be a guardian?

[JustYS]

Originally Posted by jagabuwana

If the keris is a shrine and the hulu guards it, how is it that a "baddy", demon or otherwise, be a guardian?

Hi Jaga,

I am sure Alan will have a much better/correct explanation, in the meantime if you're familiar with Ramayana/Mahabharata stories then you'll know that some Raksasas (considered as demons) in those stories are not all evil.

For example Gatotkaca is a Raksasa but he is not evil, he is the son of Bhima and he fought alongside the Pandavas.

Same thing with Wibisana also a Raksasa and brother of Rahwana but he is not evil and fought alongside Rama.

Cheers.

YS

[A. G. Maisey]

Tell me Jaga, when somebody has taken out a contract on you, who do you get to protect you?

The Tooth Fairy?

The Easter Bunny?

Nope, you get your mate who is the Sergeant at Arms for the local chapter of the Bandidos.

The baddest boy on the block.

Same logic.

Is some insignificant trouble maker spirit gonna screw around with a big bad bhuta with six inch fangs?

I think not.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by Jean

Silver hilt on resin.

So it is actually a Naga, for a moment i thought it is a wolf. Thanks

[Jean]

Originally Posted by Anthony G.

So it is actually a Naga, for a moment i thought it is a wolf. Thanks

The naga coiled around the neck of the demon is poorly depicted indeed, the head seems detached from the body.
Regards

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by Jean

The naga coiled around the neck of the demon is poorly depicted indeed, the head seems detached from the body.
Regards

I suppose it is not easy to crave from the buffalo horn.....