Thick knife frome Bali/Lombok

[SidJ]

A Jawa wedhung was auctioned as part of the fabled Missilier collection recently. Lot 315 for those interested. This is the write-up. I am not sure if wedhung were used for funerary purposes not least because Jawa is Islamic and the practice referred to may be more Hindu Balinese. Anyway, any thoughts welcome -

Javanese ritual knife used by priests during funeral ceremonies, to symbolically sever ties with the world of the living. This example is particularly luxurious, with a handle in fossilized mastodon tooth and gilded metal, and a wooden scabbard decorated with gold thread instead of the usual rattan. It features a horn belt hook. This piece was probably intended for royal funeral rites.

[A. G. Maisey]

I tried to find the auction listing & I could not, however, the reported text that seems to have accompanied the listing does look to be somewhat confused.

[SidJ]

My thoughts exactly Alan. See the link and go to lot 315.
https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/au...ier-collection

[A. G. Maisey]

Thank you Sid, yes, way off track.

But still, a nice piece.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by SidJ

My thoughts exactly Alan. See the link and go to lot 315.
https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/au...ier-collection

The pic. for later reference.

[David]

Originally Posted by SidJ

Javanese ritual knife used by priests during funeral ceremonies, to symbolically sever ties with the world of the living. This example is particularly luxurious, with a handle in fossilized mastodon tooth and gilded metal, and a wooden scabbard decorated with gold thread instead of the usual rattan. It features a horn belt hook. This piece was probably intended for royal funeral rites.

It sounds like they were confused by the common misconception that Balinese pengentas are a form of wedhung because this is the description most often applied to them.

[SidJ]

Well could be a rookie error which if so is embarrassing given the circumstances. But the story that was spun also happens to be a lot more alluring and exciting compared to tool symbolising servility to the King or symbolic grass cutter to enable the King to walk freely!

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by SidJ

Well could be a rookie error which if so is embarrassing given the circumstances. But the story that was spun also happens to be a lot more alluring and exciting compared to tool symbolising servility to the King or symbolic grass cutter to enable the King to walk freely!

Well said!

[Sajen]

Lust got the information that I am the winner of this Bali knife. 44 cm long.