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Old 9th December 2009, 03:41 PM   #15
David
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BluErf
I know what Shahrial is referring to - I have seen rings mounted with cabochon-shaped wood here in Singapore. There are also rings mounted with a flat square piece of wood. These wood which are mounted on rings are believed to have mystical power. Perhaps we can relate that to the Spirit of Wood belief in the Malay world.
Kai Wee, i don't think there is any question that mystical powers are attributed to various woods throughout that area (and indeed in other parts of the world). Ity is part of the reason particular woods are chosen to carve hilts and sheaths to begin with. But the question here is would someone in Jawa crudely adhere a piece of such wood to a hilt in a way that would stand out as and set him apart from the culture norm of the community in which he lives, a culture that is known for very strict parameters of design for such things?
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