About an unique Balinese keris motifs

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

I do not know of the word "srigala" in Basa Bali, however, it can be a contraction of the word "serigala", which is a Malay word and that Malay word has come into Bahasa Indonesia.

In both BI and Malay it can mean a jackal/wolf/wild dog. It can also be applied to a person who presents a soft false face that hides a cruel, evil nature.

In Bali the dog is believed to be able to warn of the presence of spirits, especially of evil spirits.

In Hindu belief the dog is the mount of the deity Bhairava and (I believe but am uncertain) has some sort of connection with Yama, so many Hindu people believe that being kind to dogs can assist them when they leave the world of the visible.

My feeling is that the carver of this motif could well have had some spiritual value in mind when he carved the serigala, however, I cannot accept this carving as a motif that is usually associated with the keris.

Thanks for the update and info.