Pamor Questions

[JustYS]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

In respect of technical limitations the only limitations I can think of are the skill of the smith. The process is simply pattern welding.

In respect of cultural limitations the limiting factors are whether we have a different pamor (only one motif) on each side of a blade, or whether we have multiple motifs on both sides of the blade.

In the first option of a blade with, say, wos wutah on one side and bendo sagodo on the other side, we have pamor tangkis, "tangkis" means to defend against, parry, ward off. Pamor tangkis is believed to be a defence against black magic, a shield, if you will.

In the case of multiple motifs, the number of motifs should always be odd, and should be understood to reflect the same hierarchical symbolism as the number of luk in a blade.

Thank you for your explanations Alan.

Regarding your last paragraph may I ask further clarifications?

So for example a Keris with 2 pamors (i.e. ron genduru and wengkon) on both sides of the blades is considered outside the cultural constraints because the number of motifs in only 2 (even number)?

Or is ron genduru and wengkon considered as 1 pamor only?

Thank you