BALI KERIS HULU : ANIMAL FORM, what is it ?

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by asomotif

I bought this keris hilt, mainly because I like the carving as an object.
But once in hand the questions arise.

What kind of animal is it ?
Is it a trasitional hilt form our tourist object ?

The seller thought it is an ape. A friend thinks it looks like a bear.
I think it looks more like a dog. Any suggestions ?

Best regards,
Willem

I saw similar thing before recently which according to the Indonesia dealer, it is a dog and I feel it is a new invention for hulu. I think dogs are important part of the Balinese culture, a symbol of Tyaga, meaning bhakti, or sincere devotion. I have recently made a new Balinese keris with painted warangka. I ask the painter to make decision for me and he painted dogs which is my most favorite animal.