The Sinhalese Kastane: Its Development, Decoration and Symbolism

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all... Well that was an interesting interlude. Shall we bring the guns to bare on the main target ?... The Kastane .. I have tried in vain to raise the Cromwellian Museum but the curator was last seen carrying a huge bundle of swords in the direction of the local souk..."Any Old Iron" !! was his call...
I consider decorative Kastane style here and bring another item of beautiful hand carved Ivory as a sample of excellent artesan production..
Here is an Ivory Sri Lankan box... hand carved in identical fashion to the swirls of the Makara tail often incorporated into Kastana hilts...

The one with the Iconic Zoomorphic style is described as ~

Such cabinets were produced in Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) off the western coast of India on commission from Portuguese traders for the European market by the mid 16th century.

The shape and function are European, but the subject and style of the elaborate carving, including perforation of the ivory plaques that make it up, are characteristic of Ceylon.

The plaques of ivory are carved in low relief, backed by sheets of tortoise shell and with silver fittings (corner pieces, rivets, key plates, original key and handles).

On the front, the upper drawer is decorated with confronted lions spewing scrolls enclosed in borders of quatrefoils and beading; the lower two drawers have key plates and scrolling, with identical borders.

On the sides are square central panels with winged leonine fantastic creatures with reptilian scaled tails (serapendiyas) enclosed in borders surrouned by scrolling and framed with borders.

On the top are two confronted leonine creatures, similar to those on the sides, enclosed in beaded ovals and scrollwork, further enclosed in a border with outer scrolling and border.

On the back is an oblong field with fragment of leonine creature enclosed in beaded frame with elaborate scrolling and border.

The underside is composed of plain ivory.

There is also a small section of border in the upper drawer.

So as not to be out done by the Cromwellian Museum I also sourced a carving set with Lionesque Sri Lankan Icons for hilts...Maybe the hilts shown earlier were previously swords on 'Armour Cromwellian' after all !

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all...

In observing further Kastane decorative style and refering to http://www.craftrevival.org/Extralin...ageCode=P00014 as a guide... perhaps the most relevant source of inspiration on design flows from the Piha Kheata form (both ways?) ...The two seem inextricably linked.

Images from http://members.tripod.com/~images_of_ceylon/arms.html
and http://www.caravanacollection.com/project/kastane-sword

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[spiral]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

So as not to be out done by the Cromwellian Museum I also sourced a carving set with Lionesque Sri Lankan Icons for hilts...Maybe the hilts shown earlier were previously swords on 'Armour Cromwellian' after all !


Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

I don't believe there Sri Lankan? Any evidence?

Spiral

[Prasanna Weerakkody]

one of the images included by Ibrahiim in the collection of Ivory caskets is of particular interest and relevance in a different way to the topic in question- I quote from - “A catalogue of Antiquities and other cultural objects from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Abroad” - De Silva P.H.D.H.- Ivory casket no 1241 presently at Schatzkammer Der Residenz, Munich.

“In 1506 the Portuguese occupied Ceylon (“Sinhala Dvipa”) ; the island was then ruled by several kings, dominated by an Emperor. According to W. Sloman, Emperor Buwaneka Bahu (1521-51) did not want his brother Mayadunne but his grandson Dharmapala to become his successor. To receive the support of his fief master, the Portuguese King, for this plan, Buwaneka bahu sent in 1542 a delegation to Lisbon. There exists two descriptions about the delegation… According to one report (appr 1630) The delegate delivered two ivory statues, representing the emperor and the prince proposed for the succession to the throne; according to the other report (appr. 1687) the gifts presented to the Portuguese court consisted of a crown set with gems and a statue of massive gold representing Dharmapala (then about three years old) in natural height. after the fief -oath in effigy had been taken on behalf of this prince, Don Juan III of Portugal crowned the statue as a sign of acknowledgement of the succession to the throne”

The Ivory casket illustrates the events in detail from the coronation of King Buwaneka bahu to birth of the prince Dharmapala (Dom Juan) to the bringing of the effigy of the prince to Portugal and the crowning of the statue by King of Portugal.

The importance of this casket to the forum is in the depiction of many Sinhala arms including swords in a datable context at the time of the Portuguese wars and also coinciding or slightly predating with the time of the advent of the Kasthana as we know currently. yet no Kasthana swords can be observed in the collection depicted. even the royal sword used by King Buwanekabahu in his coronation seem to be a double edged blade of the common gladius type weapon of the time but longer. But it must be noted that the earliest specifically datable Kasthana swords are linked to the Mulleriyawela battle in 1559.

The images are of poor quality- may I make a general appeal if any forum member in that part of the world is able to get access to the specimen that we may be able to get some better photographs of the Item.

regards

prasanna

[Prasanna Weerakkody]

missed one- the coronation of King Buwanekabahu

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Prasanna Weerakkody

one of the images included by Ibrahiim in the collection of Ivory caskets is of particular interest and relevance in a different way to the topic in question- I quote from - “A catalogue of Antiquities and other cultural objects from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Abroad” - De Silva P.H.D.H.- Ivory casket no 1241 presently at Schatzkammer Der Residenz, Munich.

“In 1506 the Portuguese occupied Ceylon (“Sinhala Dvipa”) ; the island was then ruled by several kings, dominated by an Emperor. According to W. Sloman, Emperor Buwaneka Bahu (1521-51) did not want his brother Mayadunne but his grandson Dharmapala to become his successor. To receive the support of his fief master, the Portuguese King, for this plan, Buwaneka bahu sent in 1542 a delegation to Lisbon. There exists two descriptions about the delegation… According to one report (appr 1630) The delegate delivered two ivory statues, representing the emperor and the prince proposed for the succession to the throne; according to the other report (appr. 1687) the gifts presented to the Portuguese court consisted of a crown set with gems and a statue of massive gold representing Dharmapala (then about three years old) in natural height. after the fief -oath in effigy had been taken on behalf of this prince, Don Juan III of Portugal crowned the statue as a sign of acknowledgement of the succession to the throne”

The Ivory casket illustrates the events in detail from the coronation of King Buwaneka bahu to birth of the prince Dharmapala (Dom Juan) to the bringing of the effigy of the prince to Portugal and the crowning of the statue by King of Portugal.

The importance of this casket to the forum is in the depiction of many Sinhala arms including swords in a datable context at the time of the Portuguese wars and also coinciding or slightly predating with the time of the advent of the Kasthana as we know currently. yet no Kasthana swords can be observed in the collection depicted. even the royal sword used by King Buwanekabahu in his coronation seem to be a double edged blade of the common gladius type weapon of the time but longer. But it must be noted that the earliest specifically datable Kasthana swords are linked to the Mulleriyawela battle in 1559.

The images are of poor quality- may I make a general appeal if any forum member in that part of the world is able to get access to the specimen that we may be able to get some better photographs of the Item.

regards

prasanna

Salaams Prasanna, Thank you for your excellent addition to this thread. If I may... I would like to leave the idea of the weapons depicted til later... I need to research those and to see if the controlled artistic impression was such that only ancient weapons were depicted...and how or who would decide what weapons to show... I simply don't know. Perhaps it was purely traditional to show certain sword types but not others...?

I have to say it was pure luck that I posted this casket though being a collector of such items I was very impressed by the craftsmanship and the striking similarities in design on Kastane... and in fact other weapons including the folliage effect carved into long guns at the butt.

Fortuitously your post places the important battle of Mulleriyawela and as presented at http://www.mulleriyawa.org/EN/index.htm which inclues an interesting and atmospheric enacted series of fight scenes involving the Kastane etc. If the situation described is true it places that date as the earliest date of this weapons appearance and since it appears as an associated weapon of Angampora (Angagaratha herala), though, the battle was said to be circa 1560... if the weapon was from the Angampora stable it must have been more ancient; The martial arts of Sri Lanka go back around 30,000 years.

I have difficulty trying to reconcile the weapon with anything European ...in particular Portuguese since they were the agressor\invader and a weapon such as the Kastane is associated with relatively high Sri Lankan historic and religious entity. It simply makes no sense to either design a weapon and\or give it a Portuguese name when it held such a place of high esteem inside the Sri Lankan psyche.

My take on this sword (though I cannot rule out influence) is that it gets its design from an ancient Sri Lankan group of decorations and ideas though perhaps fused with something the Moors /traders imported earlier or which difused regionally...but from which direction? There are powerful suggestions that Javanese hilts have a place in the story (not to mention the broad effects from decorative Buddhist and Hindu form via India etc). Further , that through the martial arts system this style has been rooted in Sri Lankan history long before the entry by the first colonial power, The Portuguese, entered the equation.

I think we are now pressing hard on the Kastane origin of species though it may never be fully uncovered.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[fernando]

Hi Prasanna,
Amazing how distinguishable are both Sinhalese and Portuguese swords in the scene with the King and the delegate. This is a good sign that the artist knew what he was doing.
Speaking of which ... You must be aware that the coronation scene you uploaded in the second post is part of a second casket, also presently exhibited in the same museum, with inventory number 1242 (the previous one is 1241). I deeply regret not being able to get better pictures of these caskets, but still would like to post here a scene sculpted in cask 1242, which apparently was offered by Ceylon Royalty to Portuguese Vice-Roy in India, showing a local ritual of allegiance, in which both Lord and vassal swords are of the 'Gladius' type, as in the other cask.

.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

[QUOTE=Prasanna Weerakkody]
yet no Kasthana swords can be observed in the collection depicted. even the royal sword used by King Buwanekabahu in his coronation seem to be a double edged blade of the common gladius type weapon of the time but longer.

Salaams Prasanna ~ I note all you say regarding this group of gifts ... and have one question regarding the absence of the Kastane.. As in the depiction of many carvings either in Ivory or stone I notice that only the ancient forms are presented. This is certainly the case in Indian statues and scenes and I believe this was because each God presented had His / Her own weapon thus it was always illustrated as such. Was this not the same in Sri Lankan carving practice?

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Prasanna Weerakkody]

Fernando, yes both caskets are included in the catalogue I copied the images from. I forgot to mention that it was from the second one. The image accuracy seem quite good judging from other elements depicted. so swords are also most probably accurate. In the second image at the top (plate 18) there are two panels in the upper row that depict gladiators. one pair carry a curious double curved sword and a strange plate like object instead of a shield. the swords in the second set seem straight and thin - sort of like rapiers and rather diminutive shields….

Ibrahiim- though there are many claims that Angam arts go back to Antiquity it is not based on solid evidence. no doubt there were fighting arts though time but the Angam in its present form can only be dated reliably to the 16th century.

For me the absence of Kasthana in these significant records (on the caskets) of the time in question signal the probable upper limit of time where Kasthana can be taken to. It must also be noted that almost all early Kasthana swords are associated with gifts by King Rajasinghhe I. of Sithawaka who was the rival to King Dom Juan Dharmapala of Kotte who was the vassal king to the Portuguese.

The images depicted on the casket were historic events contemporary with the item and the artist. they depict kings and not Gods so there is no reason to portray “older” types of arms on this. though on some other references found among temple art it may be true.

Regards

Prasanna

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Prasanna Weerakkody

Fernando, yes both caskets are included in the catalogue I copied the images from. I forgot to mention that it was from the second one. The image accuracy seem quite good judging from other elements depicted. so swords are also most probably accurate. In the second image at the top (plate 18) there are two panels in the upper row that depict gladiators. one pair carry a curious double curved sword and a strange plate like object instead of a shield. the swords in the second set seem straight and thin - sort of like rapiers and rather diminutive shields….

Ibrahiim- though there are many claims that Angam arts go back to Antiquity it is not based on solid evidence. no doubt there were fighting arts though time but the Angam in its present form can only be dated reliably to the 16th century.

For me the absence of Kasthana in these significant records (on the caskets) of the time in question signal the probable upper limit of time where Kasthana can be taken to. It must also be noted that almost all early Kasthana swords are associated with gifts by King Rajasinghhe I. of Sithawaka who was the rival to King Dom Juan Dharmapala of Kotte who was the vassal king to the Portuguese.

The images depicted on the casket were historic events contemporary with the item and the artist. they depict kings and not Gods so there is no reason to portray “older” types of arms on this. though on some other references found among temple art it may be true.

Regards

Prasanna

Salaams Prasanna, Thanks for that detail which as you note underpins the period around the time of Rajasinghe 1 rule as the apparent Kastane appearance. In brief for other readers an extract from wikepedia;

Quote.''Rajasinghe I (Sinhala:පළමුවන රාජසිංහ) [1] was a king of the Kingdom of Sitawaka from 1581 to 1593. He is known for his bravery. Born as Tikiri Banda to King Mayadunne of the Kingdom of Sitawaka, the name "Rajasinha" was given to him after a battle against Portuguese forces. Rajasinha means the King of Lions (or the Lion King).''Unquote.

No amount of (distant)research seemed to be able to uncover the martial art inclusion of the Kastane of an earlier date, thus, I thank you for the clarity on Angampora .. It again underlines the cloudy period we are attempting to see clearly ...I think the period you mention is a fair bracket for the Kastane's birth (1581 to 1593).

I would appreciate your view of the stone carving at post #120 comparing that to the Japanese Hasekura Tsunenaga weapon that he obtained in the Philipines noting that he, as a Samurai, may have appreciated the blade as genuine? ~ and if this was the case we have two virtually identical blades and grips which may be the early version of the Kastane ...In the case of the Warriors sword perhaps preferred without quillons (Vajra) and handguard..? If these blades were original form it poses the question where did that blade style come from? Was it possibly from the Storta?

We know the sword was a court sword, Royal favourite and a badge of office both in earlier and later periods...and initially for Sri Lankan military commanders then for various Mudalyer and civil service officers etc ...

Perhaps we are closer to seeing its earlier development and in considering the time scale when it was designed?

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Prasanna Weerakkody

... the swords in the second set seem straight and thin - sort of like rapiers and rather diminutive shields….

Yes, the thin swords ... besides other notable differences. These two are not fighting, like the other pair. Their general aspect also looks distinct ... 'hats', robes, faces. Only the 'sash' pending from the waist looks the same; a detail that prevents me from realizing they are Portuguese

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Prasanna Weerakkody

... according to the other report (appr. 1687) the gifts presented to the Portuguese court consisted of a crown set with gems and a statue of massive gold representing Dharmapala (then about three years old) in natural height. after the fief -oath in effigy had been taken on behalf of this prince, Don Juan III of Portugal crowned the statue as a sign of acknowledgement of the succession to the throne” ...

So is the version narrated by Father Fernão Queiroz in his manuscript.

Originally Posted by Prasanna Weerakkody

... yet no Kasthana swords can be observed in the collection depicted. even the royal sword used by King Buwanekabahu in his coronation seem to be a double edged blade of the common gladius type weapon of the time but longer. But it must be noted that the earliest specifically datable Kasthana swords are linked to the Mulleriyawela battle in 1559. ...

Still Alain Manneson Mallet in 'de l'Asie' section of his work dated 1683, depicts the King of Ceylon with a sword in nothing similar to a Kasthana; this considering that Khastanas belonged in the attire of Sinhalese novelty. Naturaly the author may be drawing the sword from his free mind, but when one looks at the depictions of Portuguese and Spanish Kings, details look pretty faithful.

.

[Prasanna Weerakkody]

Fernando, The figures you note on the Casket are really unusual in that the upper part of the dress is quite Portuguese while the lower part seems Sinhala. May be it is part of a jestering actors similar to the "Kolam" extant dance traditions which still contain elements that make fun of the British raj.

The King in the image included is King WImaladharmasuriya I, alias Konappu bandara alias Dom Joao of Austria- Son of one of King Rajasinghe I's generals who was salin by the King young Konappu escapes to Colombo and joins Portuguese and became excelled in battle under them becoming a captain in the Portuguese army; serving both in Goa and Ceilao. he then turned sides and coronated himself as King Wimaladharmasuriuya and became a formidable opponent of the Portuguese.

I include an image in which the King is in audience with Dutch Admiral Joris Van Spilbergen (published 1605) which is the original from which other copies seem to have been made. The detail in this seem believable and so should be the sword which is quite European. I am tempted to assume that the King retained a European style sword as he was trained in the Portuguese way of fighting and preferred a similar sword.

Regards

Prasanna

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Could the Kings Sword have been added later? It appears to be unnaturally densely hatched following hatching at ground near his left foot.. I suggest that, perhaps, this weapon was placed in retrospect and made to appear as European.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[fernando]

Prasanna, the more i search for the Kasthana, the more i come across the Calachurro.
Listen to what Constantino Sá de Miranda (1638) writes in his Saragoça Codice, folio 47R:

… in this pagoda place the régulos (chiefs) of those first days had their court under the name of Deynoura which means city of God, today called by the Portuguese Tanauaré from the name of a neighbor village where the dancers of this pagoda lived, and (still) also (they) do it with (term) corruption, because its proper (name) will be Natandauaré which in the Chingala language means where to dance, where excellent casting work is done, copper, silver and gold, like calachurro grips, knives, locks and other things.

We may conclude from here that the Calachurro existance is an undeniable fact ... and that its grip was metalic.
On the other hand i had a look to all 199 articles pages; and again no Kasthane mention.

The work where i picked this text from, is called "os Olhos do Rei" (Kings eyes) and has lots of interesting information on Ceylon, including very interesting period maps. Pity that it is not translated; i think you would find it interesting for your perusal.

.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by spiral

I don't believe there Sri Lankan? Any evidence?

Spiral

Salaams Spiral ~ Do you mean ...is there evidence that the two Horn? hilts in the Cromwellian Museum made into carvers are real... Im certain they are...but I dont know if they were at the Royalist Battle...On the other hand do you mean the two Ivory Lionesque Icons made into carvers ... I suspect they are and part of the trade in Ivory items imported into Europe by the Portuguese.

If, however, you have any evidence to prove that they (in either case) are not, please go ahead and outline the details.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.