Balinese hulu

[A. G. Maisey]

Possibly we can see Mpu Barada here Jean, possibly.

Or maybe we can see whatever it is that we wish to see.

In this third picture I can see a figure that is perhaps supposed to represent a priest, but what kind of priest?

Normally, a Buddhist priest would hold the bell in his left hand, and if using the vajra, he would hold that in his right hand.

I believe, but am not certain, that a Hindu priest would also hold the bell in his left hand, but in Bali I have see Hindu priests use both right & left hand for the bell.

In the Nagarakertagama Mpu Barada is identified as a Buddhist priest.

This hilt figure that is supposedly a depiction of the Honourable Mpu Barada shows the bell in the right hand. Perhaps that might be a vajra in his left hand.

Surely a Buddhist priest as respected as was Mpu Barada would know what hand to hold his bell in?

Did Mpu Barada get his left hand confused with his right, or did the carver not know right from left, or as is very often the case we simply cannot assign definite personalities to Balinese keris hilt carvings?