Origin of a shortcuts keris

A. G. Maisey · 26th March 2021, 07:40 PM

I'd be happy to give it as North Coast, or even East Jawa, as Jean has said, but I think its stretching things a bit to give the hilt as Ganesha.

Jean · 26th March 2021, 09:21 PM

I agree that the identification of this hilt as Ganesha is questionable but what does it depict if not Ganesha or a gajah?
Several types of Cirebon or Tegal hilts interpreted as depicting Ganesha do not clearly show a trunk, I can show you some specimens if required.

A. G. Maisey · 27th March 2021, 02:51 AM

Ask the carver.

Jean, it is a fact of life with keris hilts, and for that matter, with other forms of plastic art in both Jawa & Bali, that we sometimes cannot make a connection between the carving that we see in front of us, and some easily identifiable personality.

Yeah, I know that Ganesha as well as other hilt forms get reduced & reduced & reduced, but for me, this bloke has been on too much of a diet to make the grade.

You can call him Ganesha if you wish --- but don't Ganesha's dad & mum hear you.

Siwa has your number.

26th March 2021, 07:40 PM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,990	I'd be happy to give it as North Coast, or even East Jawa, as Jean has said, but I think its stretching things a bit to give the hilt as Ganesha.

26th March 2021, 09:21 PM	#2
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	I agree that the identification of this hilt as Ganesha is questionable but what does it depict if not Ganesha or a gajah? Several types of Cirebon or Tegal hilts interpreted as depicting Ganesha do not clearly show a trunk, I can show you some specimens if required.

27th March 2021, 02:51 AM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,990	Ask the carver. Jean, it is a fact of life with keris hilts, and for that matter, with other forms of plastic art in both Jawa & Bali, that we sometimes cannot make a connection between the carving that we see in front of us, and some easily identifiable personality. Yeah, I know that Ganesha as well as other hilt forms get reduced & reduced & reduced, but for me, this bloke has been on too much of a diet to make the grade. You can call him Ganesha if you wish --- but don't Ganesha's dad & mum hear you. Siwa has your number.