Bangkol

[A. G. Maisey]

These three little hooks fall into the realm of extreme rarity. They are Javanese.

The two on the left are definitely bangkol. A bangkol is a hook that was worn on the sabuk and was used by a mounted warrior to hold the reins of his horse so he could use both hands to manage his weapons.

The hook on the right might be a bangkol, or it might be a hook used to support a thin strip of bambu that supports the sarung and holds it away from the body of a newly circumcised boy, in order to avoid irritating the wound.

The difference between these two similar items is that usually the hook used after circumcision is open on the bottom allowing it to be slipped over the belt, whereas the bangkol is closed at the bottom permitting positive fixing. However, often the circumcision hook has a hole in it somewhere that assists the fixing of the bambu, this one shown lacks the hole.

Iron and mamas, iron and gold.

[Sajen]

Have seen it before but don't have known what it is. Again, thank you for sharing and for solving the mystery.

[A. G. Maisey]

As I remarked, these things are pretty scarce, and I guess because of this they are often unknown, or mis-identified. In fact, they have even been mis-identified in museum exhibitions and authoritative publications.

[Athanase]

Hello,
After discovering the existence of these objects thanks to the subject on the Timang, I always had the hope of finding one for sale one day.
And it’s now done!

Here are 2 Bangkols :

A very simple bronze one which seems to be the oldest of the 2. We have the impression that the opening of the mouth was intended to accommodate something.

The second, made of iron, has lost 90% of its gold inlays and all its stones (probably Intans and Rubies). But it is dated December 7, 1841 or July 12, 1841

[Athanase]

The last pictures

[kai]

Congrats, Séverin!

Very nice examples: The Naga might well have held a ball in its mouth.

The iron one really exhibits great chiseling work - neat!

Regards,
Kai

[A. G. Maisey]

Well done Athanase, these little things are very difficult to find, and if purchased from somebody who knows what they are, and the implications, they can be inordinately expensive.

Just a note on the name used for these reins hooks.

When goods are carried on a shoulder pole (pikul), a peg, or sometimes two pegs, are inserted in the pole to prevent the carrying cord of the burden carried, from slipping. These pegs are named "bangkol":- they prevent something from slipping out of position.

The name for these reins hooks seems to have been stolen from the pegs used with the pikul, just as with the pegs in the pikul, the reins hook prevents the reins from flying loose, and leaving the rider with no control over his mount.

[Athanase]

Thank you for the details.