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Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey
I am most familiar with Javanese society, and in Javanese society it is probably true to say that there are no left-handers.
The left hand is unclean, and we do not use it to give or receive anything, it is unthinkable that a keris could be orientated to a left hand position.
My understanding of what you have written is that in Malaysia and South Sumatera, this non-use of the left hand does not apply.
Is this so?
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Hi Alan, sorry for the late response. According to court (istana) protocols, the keris is to be worn on the left side of the body at the waist level. This is true for many states in Malaysia for official, ceremonial functions. In some cases, the hilt are required to turn inwards. Whether you're a right-hander or otherwise, it is still on the left-side for right-handed use. In most cases outside court, for ceremonies, it is still observed.
When used as a weapon or by a martial arts practitioner. The non-use of the left hand does not really apply.. basically anything goes..
