Nice real old one from Bali

drdavid · 22nd October 2007, 11:37 PM

Hi Alan
can you give an explanation of the symbolism of the small face on the back of the head on this gold Bali handle. It looks a little like a monkey's features.
regards
DrD

A. G. Maisey · 23rd October 2007, 12:31 AM

I could, but I would prefer not to.

I do not know sufficient about the Balinese culture to be able to give a supportable interpretation of this feature in terms that would be comprehensible to us, and acceptable to the relevant culture at the time when this handle was made.

David, when we wish to involve ourselves in the interpretation of symbols that belong to a time and a culture other than our own, we are treading on very, very dangerous ground. To truly understand these things we need to be able to see them and understand them from the perspective of a Balinese royal personage of more than 100 years ago.To do other than this is simply to place a name-- which may or may not be correct in the relevant context --- on something which we have no hope of understanding. At best, this can cause us to appear naive.

David · 23rd October 2007, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdavid

Hi Alan
can you give an explanation of the symbolism of the small face on the back of the head on this gold Bali handle. It looks a little like a monkey's features.
regards
DrD

Well, i think Alan's words are wise and i wouldn't dare to make an interpretation, but isn't the character Garuda?
Here's a nice ivory hilt.

A. G. Maisey · 23rd October 2007, 04:23 AM

Where are you sourcing these pretty pics from, David?

David · 23rd October 2007, 06:26 PM

These were all part of a collection that was up for auction a while back.

A. G. Maisey · 23rd October 2007, 10:27 PM

Thanks.

Battara · 24th October 2007, 12:47 AM

David, if that is a weapon in his hand, I am thinking this is Ravana, the demon king in the Ramayana.

David · 24th October 2007, 04:55 AM

Very well may be Jose. those are the best pics i have.
Here is another one from the same collection.

Ah, if i were a rich man....

24th October 2007, 04:55 AM	#8
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,233	Very well may be Jose. those are the best pics i have. Here is another one from the same collection. Ah, if i were a rich man.... Attached Images

22nd October 2007, 11:37 PM	#1
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 372	Hi Alan can you give an explanation of the symbolism of the small face on the back of the head on this gold Bali handle. It looks a little like a monkey's features. regards DrD

23rd October 2007, 12:31 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,056	I could, but I would prefer not to. I do not know sufficient about the Balinese culture to be able to give a supportable interpretation of this feature in terms that would be comprehensible to us, and acceptable to the relevant culture at the time when this handle was made. David, when we wish to involve ourselves in the interpretation of symbols that belong to a time and a culture other than our own, we are treading on very, very dangerous ground. To truly understand these things we need to be able to see them and understand them from the perspective of a Balinese royal personage of more than 100 years ago.To do other than this is simply to place a name-- which may or may not be correct in the relevant context --- on something which we have no hope of understanding. At best, this can cause us to appear naive.

23rd October 2007, 04:23 AM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,056	Where are you sourcing these pretty pics from, David?

23rd October 2007, 06:26 PM	#5
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,233	These were all part of a collection that was up for auction a while back.

23rd October 2007, 10:27 PM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,056	Thanks.

24th October 2007, 12:47 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,316	David, if that is a weapon in his hand, I am thinking this is Ravana, the demon king in the Ramayana.