Centipede Aceh

Battara · 2nd May 2020, 06:24 PM

So your question is in relations to weaponry, like when it is seen on weaponry?

Kubur · 3rd May 2020, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

So your question is in relations to weaponry, like when it is seen on weaponry?

Yes please Sir as i would like to post some examples: shields and keris...

Kubur · 3rd May 2020, 10:57 AM

Thanks Jean Baptiste

I agree centipedes have magical powers, they give strenght and protection.

Here some examples of shield and keris (from this forum) with centipedes on it.

IMO the wavy blade of the keris are representation of centipedes.

And the steel pattern on the blades represent the legs and the head of the centipede is a the forte of the blade.

I need keris specialists expertise...

Keris are stingy weapons, it would be the meaning.

I will be grateful if the admin can move back this thread to weapons...

kai · 3rd May 2020, 12:26 PM

Thanks for the examples, Kubur!

I'm afraid that the current selection is not really convincing to me: The keris are very recent pieces (or recently modified from old blades); these are clearly not traditional and, thus, only representative of the current era approach of a limited sector of society on Java to regard keris as art for art's sake only (i.e. not restricted by any traditional constraints).

These brass "Aceh" bucklers were produced in huge numbers for the late-colonial collector's market (for colonial Dutch and other visitors); the addition of a snake and a centipede is certainly unusual and not representative of any older pieces I remember - I'm pretty sure that this piece isn't from a workshop run by Acehnese craftsmen.

There is no doubt that centipedes have been widely regarded as special (strong and dangerous) animals like elephants, crocodiles, snakes, tigers, etc. As poisonous animals, they will also have found a place in rituals as well as parlor tricks.

Regards,
Kai

kronckew · 3rd May 2020, 02:25 PM

I've seen videos of Filipino smiths basting red-hot blades just before quenching with crushed spiders and centipedes t 'poison' the blade for extra lethality. Don't think any actual poison is left after tho. Maybe just a bit of the spirit of the angry animal enters the blade tho.

Kubur · 3rd May 2020, 03:49 PM

I agree for the two keris.

And do you explain the pamor Kelabang Sayuta or Kelabang Sewu?
The centipede pamor

Battara · 3rd May 2020, 05:00 PM

I'll see if this can be sent back over to the Ethnographic side.

3rd May 2020, 10:57 AM	#3
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Thanks Jean Baptiste I agree centipedes have magical powers, they give strenght and protection. Here some examples of shield and keris (from this forum) with centipedes on it. IMO the wavy blade of the keris are representation of centipedes. And the steel pattern on the blades represent the legs and the head of the centipede is a the forte of the blade. I need keris specialists expertise... Keris are stingy weapons, it would be the meaning. I will be grateful if the admin can move back this thread to weapons... Attached Images

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2nd May 2020, 06:24 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	So your question is in relations to weaponry, like when it is seen on weaponry?

3rd May 2020, 12:26 PM	#4
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Thanks for the examples, Kubur! I'm afraid that the current selection is not really convincing to me: The keris are very recent pieces (or recently modified from old blades); these are clearly not traditional and, thus, only representative of the current era approach of a limited sector of society on Java to regard keris as art for art's sake only (i.e. not restricted by any traditional constraints). These brass "Aceh" bucklers were produced in huge numbers for the late-colonial collector's market (for colonial Dutch and other visitors); the addition of a snake and a centipede is certainly unusual and not representative of any older pieces I remember - I'm pretty sure that this piece isn't from a workshop run by Acehnese craftsmen. There is no doubt that centipedes have been widely regarded as special (strong and dangerous) animals like elephants, crocodiles, snakes, tigers, etc. As poisonous animals, they will also have found a place in rituals as well as parlor tricks. Regards, Kai

3rd May 2020, 02:25 PM	#5
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,216	I've seen videos of Filipino smiths basting red-hot blades just before quenching with crushed spiders and centipedes t 'poison' the blade for extra lethality. Don't think any actual poison is left after tho. Maybe just a bit of the spirit of the angry animal enters the blade tho.

3rd May 2020, 03:49 PM	#6
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	I agree for the two keris. And do you explain the pamor Kelabang Sayuta or Kelabang Sewu? The centipede pamor

3rd May 2020, 05:00 PM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I'll see if this can be sent back over to the Ethnographic side.