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Old 1st February 2008, 06:57 AM   #1
Alam Shah
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Singapore
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Default Kocet-Kocetan hilt form

What is the kocet-kocetan hilt?
Where does it originate from?
What are its meaning and symbolism behind this hilt form?

I'm a bit puzzled about this kocet-kocetan hilt "kurisi"? [ link ]
Is it a local name, for this type of hilt form? Hmmm...

This are the info that I've seen... from Dominique Buttin's site.

"It is an insect as can be seen by its six legs. Some sources identify it as a stink-bug.
The story behind the Kocet-Kocetan is the following: The beetle (or bug) Batara Karpa was born out of an egg which was laid by his mother Dewi Winata, a bird-demon, who was married with the Rishi Kasyapa, a tortoise. Three other animal gods were born out of this marriage: Batara Garuda the sun-eagle, Batara Agniya the marten and Batara Kowara the snake.

So the xenomorphical shape of a beetle is a very old motif and probably has a very deep mythological background.
The Kocet Kocetan equals Batara Karpa. That is why the shape of it was only permitted to be used by the Brahman, the Hindu priestly caste.
It is believed that the kerises of the Brahman do have magical powers and are able to create `Holy Water`.

But some of the hilt's head does looks like a horse?
Any ideas, suggestions, comments, objections... etc.
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Last edited by Alam Shah; 1st February 2008 at 07:38 AM.
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