The Sinhalese Kastane: Its Development, Decoration and Symbolism

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 23rd February 2014, 04:15 PM

Salaams All ~

The Kastane; Lion /Makara Hilt.

It is not possible to draw a conclusion from the item seen at the hilt as to its Lion like or Makara like attributes. In fact some would say that it makes no difference what it is…and though it would be enlightening to know for sure; certainty is not a word that exists in the murky world of myth and legend. Personally I am happy with the “stylistic zoomorphic nature” of this Iconic hilt but always ready to consider your views.

The main hilt character… or should I say characters since the mythical description defies any singular pin point reasoning… and why should it? After all the myth is perpetrated by its variability, change of shape, chameleon like variability… It is legend, myth, religious meaning and …essentially how you as a believer in the ancient faiths/religious constructs of Buddhism and Hinduism see it. What’s more it is a physical hand carving made by an artisan who may have observed the creation in any of its 5 different life stages…plus the obvious inclination by artists to throw in their own interpretation. It may be noted that unlike the tradition of blade making the art of hand carving in wood, horn and Ivory contained no break in being handed down thus the tradition goes back more than 1000 years.

Put another way by http://www.amazinglanka.com/wp/makara-torana/
Quote” The central theme of the story is the glorification of Makara as the symbol of the Kurukula races. It is a composite animal, a concept of early cultures, a symbol of creative power, a symbol of “Sakti”. “It has the head of a crocodile, the horns of a goat, the body of an antelope or deer, a curved tail like that of a snake with the head of a fish and feet like those of a panther or a dog, with two horns on the forehead, its sides and bloated belly covered with leopard like spots, it is like nothing on earth.” Raghavan further states “The Makara embodies in its combination the fundamental symbolism of Traditional Psychology. It is symbolic of the Five Elements. In so far as it belongs to the Element Earth, it is like a creeping snake. In so far as it belongs to the Element Water, it is like a fish. In so far as it belongs to the Element Fire, it is panther like. In so far as it belongs to the Element Air, it is like a deer or a mountain goat. Extending this to the four elements of manifestation, the nature of the Makara is of a composite dragon”. Unquote.

Readers may believe one or the other.. some may suppose that one is more dominant a style on some swords than others or that the association between other deities are associated with the Makara but not the Lion or that the importance of a Lion over rides all else in Sri Lankan tradition so it must be a Lion. In the minds of some it looks like a lion so it must be one (a rather unsatisfactory view based on the above)

That then is a conundrum that may never be fully explained. There are, however, perhaps bigger fish to fry here… not least the burning question of European design transfer or home grown only?…Sri Lankan Purebred or a combination effort?

It is a conclusion I am working on but I await your input… Comments welcome.

Oh Forum… ? What do you suggest?

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 24th February 2014, 07:53 AM

Salaams All... However I forgot to add something ... The Nimcha.

Please see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...Charles+Buttin and in particular #9. With the main early Sri Lankan traders being Moors and the tantalising similarities as pointed to by the late Anthony North between Nimcha and Kastane members perhaps need to view the broader picture. The more ornate Nimcha hilts look even more remarkably like the Kastane....

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 24th February 2014, 06:07 PM

Salaams ... and... a most interesting link from library on comparisons on the Kastane and Nimcha guards ... at http://blade.japet.com/NIMCHA/N-protection.htm

At this point the Genie bottle seems to have its cork stuck however it is a perfect occasion to pause for a while to view the broad problems of consequences of trade and influence on The Kastane before the advent of European ships into the region.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

VANDOO · 26th February 2014, 04:03 PM

" The word singa is derived from the Sanskrit singa, "lion". The Batak term of singa has a predominantly magical, rather than zoological, so singa does not symbolize a lion. Instead, the singa represents the Nāga or Boru Saniang Naga, the primeval water serpent from the Hindu-Buddhist mythology. It is not fully understood why the name singa is attributed to this figure.[2][3][4] "

THE ABOVE QUOTE IS FROM WIKI. FOUND UNDER SINGA (MYTHOLOGY) THIS WOULD HELP EXPLAIN THE SINGAPORE HALF LION, HALF FISH AS WELL AS THE POMMEL DECORATION ON THE KASTANCE. SO PERHAPS THE LION LIKE ONES ARE SINGA AND THERE MAY BE A FEW MAKARA AS WELL BUT ON MOST EXAMPLES I HAVE SEEN THE LION OR SINGA IS THE MORE COMMON. THE SINGA IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN BATACK CULTURE BUT HAS MORE OF A HUMAN FACE. PERHAPS MAKARA AND SINGA SPEAK OF THE SAME CREATURE IN MYTHOLOGY

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 27th February 2014, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VANDOO

" The word singa is derived from the Sanskrit singa, "lion". The Batak term of singa has a predominantly magical, rather than zoological, so singa does not symbolize a lion. Instead, the singa represents the Nāga or Boru Saniang Naga, the primeval water serpent from the Hindu-Buddhist mythology. It is not fully understood why the name singa is attributed to this figure.[2][3][4] "

THE ABOVE QUOTE IS FROM WIKI. FOUND UNDER SINGA (MYTHOLOGY) THIS WOULD HELP EXPLAIN THE SINGAPORE HALF LION, HALF FISH AS WELL AS THE POMMEL DECORATION ON THE KASTANCE. SO PERHAPS THE LION LIKE ONES ARE SINGA AND THERE MAY BE A FEW MAKARA AS WELL BUT ON MOST EXAMPLES I HAVE SEEN THE LION OR SINGA IS THE MORE COMMON. THE SINGA IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN BATACK CULTURE BUT HAS MORE OF A HUMAN FACE. PERHAPS MAKARA AND SINGA SPEAK OF THE SAME CREATURE IN MYTHOLOGY

Salaams VANDOO ~ Of the many tides of influence sweeping across the Kastane scene; religion, myth and superstition rate highly ..not least shrouded in time and the duality of Buddhist and Hindu influence but also shaken by the 3 invaders which have created further fog and a great deal of disruption..not least in the after development e.g. In European dogheads with pure Sri Lankan influence going the other way...Then the pan Indian Ocean regional effect possibly centred upon Jakarata geographically and as the obvious trading hub through which the huge Hindu-Buddhist influence is traditionally applied. The Javanese and other sister regions where Zoomorphic/Mythical hilts is observed would indicate some inter-fusion or influence and adds to the mystique of the weapon being unraveled.

I have viewed the discussion from many points of the compass and am generally of the opinion that the decorative influence is home grown whilst the basic form may well be derived from other styles irrespective of the fighting nature of those styles. I think the obvious link is in the Moors of Sri Lankan tie-up with trade... Hormuz, Sohar, Red Sea ports and inter regionally...potentially sucking in early European and South East Asian forms already discussed.

I have mentioned the tantalizing Nimcha effect and the obvious Indian influences and the reduction in Iron and Steel gap in activity caused by the invaders particularly the Dutch.

I think we are closer to a general overview of where we see the Kastane and armed with a vastly improved library of detail, at some future point, an even clearer picture may be forthcoming...As to whether the shape triggers in the mind of the beholder .. A Lion or a serpent/ Makara is probably not so important given the mythology (I simply accept that since it defies logic by definition) Once the prefix "stylistic" is added it may be irrelevant ?

Meanwhile thank you for your posts...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 27th February 2014, 02:29 PM

Salaams All... I would suggest that a number of lead in articles and illustrations be added at about this point to create a foundation of support ideas for any sort of semi conclusions and mid research results so far...

I have seen some of the advertising for the brilliant work by Robert Hales and have taken one of those pages to illustrate 3 beautiful related examples ... The Indian Connection perhaps or part of it? The descriptions are the authors view and may not reflect the broader concept of "stylistic" as opposed to "actual"...from the mythical viewpoint ...but it is the artwork placed here that is important.

napoleon · 28th February 2014, 09:53 AM

saalams ibrahiim,hello jim,yes i fully accept regional and artistic variation,but my point is where weapons have a point of origin,you then have provenance as with the weapons from candy royal palace,artists do tend to be recognisable by their overall style,so i think that if you were to compare high end examples,you could identify one royal workshop, it is a begining i think but in order to do so need pictures of high quality swords,so anyone lucky enough to own such a piece could we see them please

23rd February 2014, 04:15 PM	#1
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Kastane Hilt; Lion or...Makara ? Salaams All ~ The Kastane; Lion /Makara Hilt. It is not possible to draw a conclusion from the item seen at the hilt as to its Lion like or Makara like attributes. In fact some would say that it makes no difference what it is…and though it would be enlightening to know for sure; certainty is not a word that exists in the murky world of myth and legend. Personally I am happy with the “stylistic zoomorphic nature” of this Iconic hilt but always ready to consider your views. The main hilt character… or should I say characters since the mythical description defies any singular pin point reasoning… and why should it? After all the myth is perpetrated by its variability, change of shape, chameleon like variability… It is legend, myth, religious meaning and …essentially how you as a believer in the ancient faiths/religious constructs of Buddhism and Hinduism see it. What’s more it is a physical hand carving made by an artisan who may have observed the creation in any of its 5 different life stages…plus the obvious inclination by artists to throw in their own interpretation. It may be noted that unlike the tradition of blade making the art of hand carving in wood, horn and Ivory contained no break in being handed down thus the tradition goes back more than 1000 years. Put another way by http://www.amazinglanka.com/wp/makara-torana/ Quote” The central theme of the story is the glorification of Makara as the symbol of the Kurukula races. It is a composite animal, a concept of early cultures, a symbol of creative power, a symbol of “Sakti”. “It has the head of a crocodile, the horns of a goat, the body of an antelope or deer, a curved tail like that of a snake with the head of a fish and feet like those of a panther or a dog, with two horns on the forehead, its sides and bloated belly covered with leopard like spots, it is like nothing on earth.” Raghavan further states “The Makara embodies in its combination the fundamental symbolism of Traditional Psychology. It is symbolic of the Five Elements. In so far as it belongs to the Element Earth, it is like a creeping snake. In so far as it belongs to the Element Water, it is like a fish. In so far as it belongs to the Element Fire, it is panther like. In so far as it belongs to the Element Air, it is like a deer or a mountain goat. Extending this to the four elements of manifestation, the nature of the Makara is of a composite dragon”. Unquote. Readers may believe one or the other.. some may suppose that one is more dominant a style on some swords than others or that the association between other deities are associated with the Makara but not the Lion or that the importance of a Lion over rides all else in Sri Lankan tradition so it must be a Lion. In the minds of some it looks like a lion so it must be one (a rather unsatisfactory view based on the above) That then is a conundrum that may never be fully explained. There are, however, perhaps bigger fish to fry here… not least the burning question of European design transfer or home grown only?…Sri Lankan Purebred or a combination effort? It is a conclusion I am working on but I await your input… Comments welcome. Oh Forum… ? What do you suggest? Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Attached Images Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 23rd February 2014 at 04:29 PM.

24th February 2014, 06:07 PM	#3
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Salaams ... and... a most interesting link from library on comparisons on the Kastane and Nimcha guards ... at http://blade.japet.com/NIMCHA/N-protection.htm At this point the Genie bottle seems to have its cork stuck however it is a perfect occasion to pause for a while to view the broad problems of consequences of trade and influence on The Kastane before the advent of European ships into the region. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 25th February 2014 at 06:00 PM.

27th February 2014, 02:29 PM	#6
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Salaams All... I would suggest that a number of lead in articles and illustrations be added at about this point to create a foundation of support ideas for any sort of semi conclusions and mid research results so far... I have seen some of the advertising for the brilliant work by Robert Hales and have taken one of those pages to illustrate 3 beautiful related examples ... The Indian Connection perhaps or part of it? The descriptions are the authors view and may not reflect the broader concept of "stylistic" as opposed to "actual"...from the mythical viewpoint ...but it is the artwork placed here that is important. Attached Images

28th February 2014, 09:53 AM	#7
napoleon Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 88	kastane saalams ibrahiim,hello jim,yes i fully accept regional and artistic variation,but my point is where weapons have a point of origin,you then have provenance as with the weapons from candy royal palace,artists do tend to be recognisable by their overall style,so i think that if you were to compare high end examples,you could identify one royal workshop, it is a begining i think but in order to do so need pictures of high quality swords,so anyone lucky enough to own such a piece could we see them please

24th February 2014, 07:53 AM	#2
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Salaams All... However I forgot to add something ... The Nimcha. Please see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...Charles+Buttin and in particular #9. With the main early Sri Lankan traders being Moors and the tantalising similarities as pointed to by the late Anthony North between Nimcha and Kastane members perhaps need to view the broader picture. The more ornate Nimcha hilts look even more remarkably like the Kastane.... Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

26th February 2014, 04:03 PM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	" The word singa is derived from the Sanskrit singa, "lion". The Batak term of singa has a predominantly magical, rather than zoological, so singa does not symbolize a lion. Instead, the singa represents the Nāga or Boru Saniang Naga, the primeval water serpent from the Hindu-Buddhist mythology. It is not fully understood why the name singa is attributed to this figure.[2][3][4] " THE ABOVE QUOTE IS FROM WIKI. FOUND UNDER SINGA (MYTHOLOGY) THIS WOULD HELP EXPLAIN THE SINGAPORE HALF LION, HALF FISH AS WELL AS THE POMMEL DECORATION ON THE KASTANCE. SO PERHAPS THE LION LIKE ONES ARE SINGA AND THERE MAY BE A FEW MAKARA AS WELL BUT ON MOST EXAMPLES I HAVE SEEN THE LION OR SINGA IS THE MORE COMMON. THE SINGA IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN BATACK CULTURE BUT HAS MORE OF A HUMAN FACE. PERHAPS MAKARA AND SINGA SPEAK OF THE SAME CREATURE IN MYTHOLOGY