Figural !

[kai]

Rangda is considered a she, Joe.

She is reported to be not too fussy about her prey...

[werecow]

I love that keris grip btw. As a kid I often went to the ethnography museum with my parents here in Leiden, and the colorful Indonesian (and particularly Balinese) demon masks and Rangda in particular always creeped me out in a good way. Those creepy lidless eyes, those tusks, and that tongue! I love good horror imagery and monsters of any sort, but I have to admit that western demons don't really compare to the Balinese version.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by werecow

I love that keris grip btw. As a kid I often went to the ethnography museum with my parents here in Leiden, and the colorful Indonesian (and particularly Balinese) demon masks and Rangda in particular always creeped me out in a good way. Those creepy lidless eyes, those tusks, and that tongue! I love good horror imagery and monsters of any sort, but I have to admit that western demons don't really compare to the Balinese version.

To quote a dear departed friend where Bali iconography is concerned, "Even the Goodies have teeth"

[milandro]

I have just added this Hulu to my collection.( the picture on the left)

It is said to depict the goddess Devi Sarawati which represents knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. She is also part of the Tridevi with goddesses Lakshmi and Parvati.

I believe this was carved in the '70.

The material should be albino water buffalo horn ( or white Kerbau )

Interestingly at the same auction where I acquired my Hulu there was also ANOTHER (Right in the picture) almost identical hilt which was mounted on a similar kris where this will be mounted .

[Sajen]

A Putra Satu in ivory, just entered the collection.

[kai]

A Putra Satu in ivory, just entered the collection.

A really finely carved one - congrats, Detlef!

Regards,
Kai

[Gavin Nugent]

You've all got some stunning examples and with good pedigree too!

There are only a few true figural examples here, see bottom left corner.

The other image, whilst not a keris hulu and is I guess off topic, it is related to some degree and worth a share within this post.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

A really finely carved one - congrats, Detlef!

Thank you Kai, it comes together with this wrongko and a blade but the blade needs first a proper warangan.

Regards,
Detlef

[Gavin Nugent]

WOW Detlef, that patina! Those carvings!!! The condition!!!

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

WOW Detlef, that patina! Those carvings!!! The condition!!!

Hi Gav,

Thanks! Have to agree by patina and carving! The condition is acceptable, the leaf in front was once broken and it's not a good restoration.
But the ensemble is nice!

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by milandro

I have just added this Hulu to my collection.( the picture on the left)

It is said to depict the goddess Devi Sarawati which represents knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. She is also part of the Tridevi with goddesses Lakshmi and Parvati.

I believe this was carved in the '70.

The material should be albino water buffalo horn ( or white Kerbau )

Interestingly at the same auction where I acquired my Hulu there was also ANOTHER (Right in the picture) almost identical hilt which was mounted on a similar kris where this will be mounted .

Nice hilt in a rare material! Congrats for a nice addition to your collection.

[milandro]

same to you Detlef

[Sajen]

Another one in blonde horn, a Ramajala from Tegal, ex. Wolfgang Spielmann and Wolfgang Schilling collection.

[milandro]

Originally Posted by milandro

I have just added this Hulu to my collection.( the picture on the left)

It is said to depict the goddess Devi Sarawati which represents knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. She is also part of the Tridevi with goddesses Lakshmi and Parvati.

I believe this was carved in the '70.

The material should be albino water buffalo horn ( or white Kerbau )

Interestingly at the same auction where I acquired my Hulu there was also ANOTHER (Right in the picture) almost identical hilt which was mounted on a similar kris where this will be mounted .

I have just learned that the hilt is a representation of Putri Mandalika a Sasak princess whose figure overlaps and someone is identified with the one of Parvati . The goddess is worshipped by the Sasak population of Lombok but also on Bali.


I got this from a new friend , Duncan, who is a very knowledgeable hilt connoisseur , Very thankful to him.