Characteristics of Punokawan hilts

apolaki · 8th August 2020, 09:40 PM

Thanks! I am familiar with how they look in general in wayang and other drawings, but I was wondering if there are specific ways they are carved on keris hilts. If a hilt has a large belly or certain clothing or necklace, hair style are they considered to be a depiction of the 4 brothers. Some hilts have these but not the exact facial features for instance. Would they still be Punokawanbl or represent something else?

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

I suggest that you start here:-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/125321218@N07/20725537535

Here are some typical illustrations:-

https://www.123rf.com/photo_12032368...ustration.html

A. G. Maisey · 8th August 2020, 10:24 PM

Carvers vary in their style & ability, variations characteristic of one carver might not be characteristic of another. This applies with most art work, including carvings.

With the punakawans each one has a specific characteristic, so you look for this characteristic. If you cannot find the characteristic that a punakawan is recognised by, then it is not a punakawan, what it is then supposed to be who knows?

Rick · 9th August 2020, 02:25 AM

I figure the partial handle shown in my avatar is probably Semar.

He is mounted on one of my kerises in storage; I'll see if I can hunt him up and show you.

Jean · 9th August 2020, 02:33 PM

Most of the punakawan hilts which I have seen are from Bali/ Lombok and according to the Lombok expert EAN Van Veenendaal they depict the balinese equivalent of the Javanese heroes: Tualen (Semar), Merdah (Togog), Sangut (Gareng), Jaragan (Petruk), and Delem (Bagong).
The 2 common features on these togogan hilts are the tuft of hair above the head, and the ape-like face which could create confusion with Anoman (but Anoman always wear a tail).
These hilts are not that common and most of them seem rather recent, see one typical specimen from my collection.

apolaki · 9th August 2020, 03:55 PM

Hi, Thanks for the insight! I have seen keris hilt with the pony tail and arm positions to the sides and thought perhaps it is a Punokawan, but the facial features looked more like a Garuda or Hanoman. So from what I gather, in general Punokawan can be identified more by the hair on keris hilts whereas Hanoman can be identified with tail and more ornate mahkota. What about Garuda, are there some identifying tell tale signs it will be Garuda on keris hilt?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

Most of the punakawan hilts which I have seen are from Bali/ Lombok and according to the Lombok expert EAN Van Veenendaal they depict the balinese equivalent of the Javanese heroes: Tualen (Semar), Merdah (Togog), Sangut (Gareng), Jaragan (Petruk), and Delem (Bagong).
The 2 common features on these togogan hilts are the tuft of hair above the head, and the ape-like face which could create confusion with Anoman (but Anoman always wear a tail).
These hilts are not that common and most of them seem rather recent, see one typical specimen from my collection.

Jean · 9th August 2020, 05:03 PM

The first hilt clearly depicts Hanuman from the ape feet and the tail protruding from the back of the head.
The second hilt with the pony tail was identified as Jatayu (the nephew of Garuda) by a late Javanese expert because of its beak but it may depict a punakawan.

Interested Party · 9th August 2020, 05:43 PM

Jean do you have a side view and possibly a back view of the second hilt?

milandro · 10th July 2023, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

Most of the punakawan hilts which I have seen are from Bali/ Lombok and according to the Lombok expert EAN Van Veenendaal they depict the balinese equivalent of the Javanese heroes: Tualen (Semar), Merdah (Togog), Sangut (Gareng), Jaragan (Petruk), and Delem (Bagong).
The 2 common features on these togogan hilts are the tuft of hair above the head, and the ape-like face which could create confusion with Anoman (but Anoman always wear a tail).
These hilts are not that common and most of them seem rather recent, see one typical specimen from my collection.

Nice! I found this thread , I was wondering what my hilt was (talked about it on the figural hilts , someone also suggested it was a PunaKawan.

Montino Bourbon · 19th July 2023, 09:24 PM

i’m not showing the rest of the Keris, because it’s very personal. I actually found it in a pawnshop. I have reason to believe it may have been made for an artist. It’s extremely fine. I had dreams of it before I bought it.

A. G. Maisey · 19th July 2023, 10:31 PM

Look like somebody you might know?

This is Petruk, taken from a reference on old Wayang characters form & nature.

9th August 2020, 02:33 PM	#4
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Most of the punakawan hilts which I have seen are from Bali/ Lombok and according to the Lombok expert EAN Van Veenendaal they depict the balinese equivalent of the Javanese heroes: Tualen (Semar), Merdah (Togog), Sangut (Gareng), Jaragan (Petruk), and Delem (Bagong). The 2 common features on these togogan hilts are the tuft of hair above the head, and the ape-like face which could create confusion with Anoman (but Anoman always wear a tail). These hilts are not that common and most of them seem rather recent, see one typical specimen from my collection. Attached Images

9th August 2020, 05:03 PM	#6
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	The first hilt clearly depicts Hanuman from the ape feet and the tail protruding from the back of the head. The second hilt with the pony tail was identified as Jatayu (the nephew of Garuda) by a late Javanese expert because of its beak but it may depict a punakawan. Attached Images

19th July 2023, 09:24 PM	#9
Montino Bourbon Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, California Posts: 295	here’s the finest one I’ve seen. i’m not showing the rest of the Keris, because it’s very personal. I actually found it in a pawnshop. I have reason to believe it may have been made for an artist. It’s extremely fine. I had dreams of it before I bought it. Attached Images

19th July 2023, 10:31 PM	#10
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,738	Look like somebody you might know? This is Petruk, taken from a reference on old Wayang characters form & nature. Attached Images

8th August 2020, 10:24 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,738	Carvers vary in their style & ability, variations characteristic of one carver might not be characteristic of another. This applies with most art work, including carvings. With the punakawans each one has a specific characteristic, so you look for this characteristic. If you cannot find the characteristic that a punakawan is recognised by, then it is not a punakawan, what it is then supposed to be who knows?

9th August 2020, 02:25 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,268	I figure the partial handle shown in my avatar is probably Semar. He is mounted on one of my kerises in storage; I'll see if I can hunt him up and show you.

9th August 2020, 05:43 PM	#7
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 392	Jean do you have a side view and possibly a back view of the second hilt?