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#12 | |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,224
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![]() Quote:
There are ways to loosen a fixed hilt, but with a fragile ivory hilt that already shows some age cracks i fully understand why you might simply accept the upside down fitting rather than risk damaging the ivory. I did note one additional question that was not fully addressed. "And has the fine carved hilt a religious or mythological meaning?" As Jean mentioned this hilt form is known as Jawa Demam, which translates to something like "Feverish Javanese". This is due to the bend over posture of the abstract figure with one arm across its belly as if in some pain or distress. I don't know exactly when this name was first applied to this hilt form or even if this idea was the original intent of those who designed it. But from what is known i don't think there is a particular religious element to it. The reasoning for the naming, beyond the obvious body position, seems to have been lost to time. There are many variations on the Jawa Demam hilt. This particular form and motif design is specific to Palembang though and a lovely example of the form. All-in-all this is a lovely keris. If you were only to have one in your collection this is not too shabby. ![]() |
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