Part of a Keris Sheath?

A. G. Maisey · 16th July 2014, 01:48 AM

In Bali Banaspati and Banaspati Raja are associated with the Kanda Mpat, the spirits associated with the human body. This is a relatively complex area of Balinese belief and here is not the place to go into the subject further, I think that there should be a fair bit available online these days, and maybe if you ask Dr. Google, he might be able to give you some references. If Eisemann is available, he's a good and simple source.

Bhoma is the bloke that we see over temple doorways. When he is associated with keris, it is as a protective element. If we think of the opening of the keris scabbard as a doorway, the inclusion of bhoma into this decorative motif is exactly in line with the tradition of placing Bhoma over a doorway.

But this lay usage of the Bhoma symbol can detract from and weaken the religious meaning. For instance, in Bali now we can see these Bhomas everywhere, over doorways into shops, commercial institutions, and at crossroads --- all over the place, and this profusion can weaken the religious power, not increase it. There is a relationship between Bhoma and Banaspati, but this is something that requires lengthy and involved study to understand and it is open to a number of interpretations, not all of which necessarily apply to Bali.

In Bali Bhoma can be referred to as Banaspatiraja, in this context is representative of trees. However, as noted above, Banaspati Raja is one of the Kanda Mpat, so when we see this head as a protective motif, it should be Bhoma, rather than Banaspatiraja. Bhoma is also sometimes named Kala.

Sorry if all this sounds a bit confusing, but it is not straightforward and easy to understand Balinese beliefs, you need to consider a multitude of things at the same time and to consider at different levels and from different perspectives. Even then it is not possible for everybody to understand everything, as some knowledge is not available to ordinary people.

Here is another image of Bhoma, at the entrance to Goa Gajah in Bali.

Battara · 17th July 2014, 12:33 AM

W

W!

As one who has a second masters in world religions, I appreciate the complexities that go into any particular belief system and very little is truly easy and straightforward.

Thank you for your knowledge and insight Alan. This helps me tremendously and I have a better understanding of this motif.

16th July 2014, 01:48 AM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	In Bali Banaspati and Banaspati Raja are associated with the Kanda Mpat, the spirits associated with the human body. This is a relatively complex area of Balinese belief and here is not the place to go into the subject further, I think that there should be a fair bit available online these days, and maybe if you ask Dr. Google, he might be able to give you some references. If Eisemann is available, he's a good and simple source. Bhoma is the bloke that we see over temple doorways. When he is associated with keris, it is as a protective element. If we think of the opening of the keris scabbard as a doorway, the inclusion of bhoma into this decorative motif is exactly in line with the tradition of placing Bhoma over a doorway. But this lay usage of the Bhoma symbol can detract from and weaken the religious meaning. For instance, in Bali now we can see these Bhomas everywhere, over doorways into shops, commercial institutions, and at crossroads --- all over the place, and this profusion can weaken the religious power, not increase it. There is a relationship between Bhoma and Banaspati, but this is something that requires lengthy and involved study to understand and it is open to a number of interpretations, not all of which necessarily apply to Bali. In Bali Bhoma can be referred to as Banaspatiraja, in this context is representative of trees. However, as noted above, Banaspati Raja is one of the Kanda Mpat, so when we see this head as a protective motif, it should be Bhoma, rather than Banaspatiraja. Bhoma is also sometimes named Kala. Sorry if all this sounds a bit confusing, but it is not straightforward and easy to understand Balinese beliefs, you need to consider a multitude of things at the same time and to consider at different levels and from different perspectives. Even then it is not possible for everybody to understand everything, as some knowledge is not available to ordinary people. Here is another image of Bhoma, at the entrance to Goa Gajah in Bali. Attached Images

17th July 2014, 12:33 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	W W! As one who has a second masters in world religions, I appreciate the complexities that go into any particular belief system and very little is truly easy and straightforward. Thank you for your knowledge and insight Alan. This helps me tremendously and I have a better understanding of this motif.