My Refurbished Balinese Kris

[milandro]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Milandro, I find that to be a strange symbolism to incorporate into a keris hilt.

My memory of the Putri Mandalika myth is that she committed suicide by drowning rather than choose a husband from her many suitors, she became a symbol of self sacrifice.

Her reincarnation was as a sea worm that is eaten.

Rather a strange symbolism to occupy the position that is usually one of a protective symbol.

I wonder if this hilt is perhaps an artistic expression rather than an expression of keris symbolism?

My new friend has provided me with an extensive reference of hilts, all representing the same goddess , which are all very coherent with the depiction on my hilt. Ik will ask him permission to share them with the kind people here. He also provided extensive stories concerning the cult and the worms which apparently consumed during the festival in the winter when they appear.