Coyness in posting keris pics

A. G. Maisey · 7th January 2023, 01:48 AM

Actually, the use to describe any weapon that the owner considers to be a personal talisman is listed in my big Javanese dictionary as normal usage, not colloquial.

But with the dealer usage, yeah, sure the intent is marketing.

David · 7th January 2023, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Actually, the use to describe any weapon that the owner considers to be a personal talisman is listed in my big Javanese dictionary as normal usage, not colloquial.

But with the dealer usage, yeah, sure the intent is marketing.

Well, "any weapon that the owner considers to be a personal talisman" is a bit different from "loosely refer to any weapon" as you described in your post #24.

A. G. Maisey · 7th January 2023, 07:41 PM

Yes, you're right David, as far as I can see, this loose use is only with people who are dealers, craftsmen, collectors.

A tukang wrongko who did a lot of work for me used "pusaka" for everything, it confused me for a while, so I asked Pak Parman why, and what he told me was that it was a way of showing respect, respect for the object, respect for me.

After that I noted that when "pusaka" was used rather than "pedang", or "tombak", or whatever, it was usually in a situation where somebody was being very careful not to offend me, as in a buying situation or where it was wise to keep on good terms with me.

I think this imprecise use of language probably occurs in all languages, and apart from carelessness & ignorance there is probably a good reason for it.

David · 7th January 2023, 07:48 PM

Thanks for the further information Alan.

jagabuwana · 8th January 2023, 01:12 PM

In light of all of this, how then did keris holders like ploncons and blawongs develop, if the displaying of keris is considered crass or unrefined?

SidJ · 8th January 2023, 01:20 PM

To display the dress I think. Also a different setting as opposed to wearing it on the person and also presumably for storing in a private setting.

7th January 2023, 01:48 AM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,085	Actually, the use to describe any weapon that the owner considers to be a personal talisman is listed in my big Javanese dictionary as normal usage, not colloquial. But with the dealer usage, yeah, sure the intent is marketing.

7th January 2023, 07:41 PM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,085	Yes, you're right David, as far as I can see, this loose use is only with people who are dealers, craftsmen, collectors. A tukang wrongko who did a lot of work for me used "pusaka" for everything, it confused me for a while, so I asked Pak Parman why, and what he told me was that it was a way of showing respect, respect for the object, respect for me. After that I noted that when "pusaka" was used rather than "pedang", or "tombak", or whatever, it was usually in a situation where somebody was being very careful not to offend me, as in a buying situation or where it was wise to keep on good terms with me. I think this imprecise use of language probably occurs in all languages, and apart from carelessness & ignorance there is probably a good reason for it.

7th January 2023, 07:48 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,250	Thanks for the further information Alan.

8th January 2023, 01:12 PM	#5
jagabuwana Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 292	In light of all of this, how then did keris holders like ploncons and blawongs develop, if the displaying of keris is considered crass or unrefined?

8th January 2023, 01:20 PM	#6
SidJ Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 233	To display the dress I think. Also a different setting as opposed to wearing it on the person and also presumably for storing in a private setting.