A KERIS HILT

Description:

Indonesia, Bali, early 20th c. or earlier
H. 12 cm
Figural keris handle carved from whalebone (generic term for figural handles: togog, deling). The figure represents the Hindu god Ganesh (Ganesha). The quality of the carving is exceptional, which is particularly evident in the lotus blossom at the base of the figure, which indicates the divine rank. In stylised form, this area is called tumpal. Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati. He is usually depicted as a small, red, corpulent man, a form that is quite common in very old keris handles. He is usually shown seated on the lotus throne, which can still be recognised in rudimentary form here. Ganesha's fat belly symbolises wealth and the ability to gather experience and knowledge. He is also worshipped in Tantra under the name Vinayaka, where he is regarded as a gifted dancer and lover. The sexual component makes him a central figure for tantrics and followers of the Shakti cult. He is depicted as the central figure in the famous keris forging relief by Candi Sukuh (15th century), which emphasises his symbolic proximity to keris and forging from time immemorial. Ganesha is the "Lord of Obstacles", both as an overcomer and as a setter of obstacles, if one behaves disrespectfully towards him or if these are necessary for him. I.e. he is consulted in every form of problem solving. As Ganaspati ("lord of the multitudes / the horde"), he is the lord and overseer of Shiva's entourage, the gana, and the mediator to his father and thus the messenger of the gods, as he is more approachable than the respect-inspiring deity Shiva. Ganesha is one of the most important and most popular gods in India and is worshipped at almost every roadside shrine. Of all the Hindu gods, he is also the one with the greatest presence and popularity outside India. Ganesha is also worshipped in Buddhism and Jainism under the name Kangiten.
From an old German private collection, assembled since the 1950s - Minor wear, partly only few tiny chips
Lit.: IFICAH (2015): Götter-Schmiede. Balinesische Zeremonialklingen im kulturellen Kontext. Wohlesbostel. - Neka, P.W.S. (2010): Keris Bali Bersejarah. Neka Art Museum, Ubud. - Ramseyer, U. (1977): Bali. Leben in zwei Welten. Zürich