Nogo and Singo Origins

[A. G. Maisey]

David, this is not really a keris question, it is a cultural question.

We need to consider Hindu/Buddhist belief systems & symbolism as it relates to the serpent. These imported ideas synthesised with indigenous beliefs relating to earth & water spirits.

Naga : dragon, serpent

Added to this foundation we need to take into account the Chinese influences, even though those Chinese influences are believed to be related to the earlier Hindu ideas.

The singha (singo/a) symbolism is primarily associated with power. It comes from the same Hindu/Buddhist roots as does the naga.

Singa : lion

Throughout SE Asia lions can be found as guardians, & with regal associations. In Jawa we have the pre-Mojopahit example of a realm bearing the name "Singhasari", and members of the ruling class, the k'satriyas, would sometimes include the word "singha" in their formal name. The name "Singhasari" was probably understood as a reference to the place of the ruler.

The root of both naga & singha symbolism is Hindu/Buddhist culture, and entered what is now Indonesia, & other parts of SE Asia from traders & religious leaders & advisors.

Neither the naga nor the singha can be thought of as a part of Islamic culture.

What I have written above is very simplistic and superficial, the subject of the naga & singha symbolism & belief in the context of Jawa/Bali deserves far deeper study than can be covered here.

To understand how this symbolism fits into the study of the keris we need to first understand the deeper cultural & religious associations.

NB.
the variations is spelling of singha/singho/singa/singo & naga/nogo reflects Modern Javanese pronunciation.