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.

[A. G. Maisey]

Thanks Milandro.

Yes, I understand that the Putri Mandalika myth has a strong following in Lombok, this is not in question at all.

What strikes me as peculiar is that Putri Mandalika is not associated with a protective function, but the personage used as a keris hilt figure is supposed to perform a protective function.

The symbolism associated with Putri Mandalika would seem to be quite the opposite of being protective, so I am wondering just how and why Putri Mandalika has achieved keris hilt status.

Yes, these worms are regarded as a delicacy & they only appear on the beaches for a very limited period, they are called something like "nyale". They have all sorts of esoteric powers attributed to them and are currently being used in Lombok to promote tourism.

But PM as a protective agent?

I don't think that is a part of the myth. The way this myth was told to me , many, many years ago is that PM symbolises self sacrifice and bravery, so if indeed this is case, why use her as a protective device?

I just don't get it.

[milandro]

I don't know, I have certainly seen (I will share when given permission) a great many similar depictions on hilts. I am assuming that carvers in Lombok and their clients appreciate her for this purpose.


My friend also elaborated on the conversions of the deity of Putri Mandalika which uniformed to Parvati wife of Shiva.

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes, some very strange things do happen.