Detlef, my phrasing was:-
"--- some understanding of socio-religious mores in Bali. ---"
I did not say, nor think, that the person who applied the red paint might have had a deep knowledge of Bali-Hindu religion.
However, if we look at the possible intended symbolism that could be attached to the paint job & its placement, what we have is this:-
sogokan> lingga> Siwa
red> Brahma
black> Wisnu
and there we have the Trimurti.
Whoever wielded the paint brush could very probably have had sufficient understanding to think that he was doing something in tune with Balinese mores.
In respect of these modifications being carried out in either Bali or in Lombok, in my opinion that is a total impossibility.
In Bali & Lombok the keris is a clearly defined item of dress, it MUST comply with certain specific standards, this keris under discussion is totally outside of the required parameters, not only that, but the hilt in particular is quite ludicrous in an indigenous context.
As others commented, for a collector outside of the relevant societies, this keris as presented is quite collectable, but for wear in Bali or Lombok?
I rather think not.
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