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Originally Posted by nechesh
Does that mean that they are all intended to be raksasa? These floral motif figures have been around for some time on the northern costal region of Jawa (Pasisir) and Madura. My question is, why are they necessarily raksasa?
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That's the question I have too, even for the 'literal' or 'realistic' forms.
But anyway, the rashaksa form has been around since the 16th century, according to K. Jensen's book. (See attached pic from the Dutch Museum. Sorry, can't find the Dutch Museum's URL in my bookmark page).
http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_photo.php
The hilts covered in floral motifs, based on my observation, are no where as old. Most in the books were attributed to 18th or 19th century. And some of the rashaksa hilts we see floating around the market are really ancient looking, though I would admit that realistic rashaksa hilts are still being made today.
As for the floral motifs being embellishments, I thought it is no longer mere embellishment when it replaces vital features such as the eyes, nose, mouth, arms.