Show Us Your Akar Bahar

[A. G. Maisey]

Here is a knife handle, sorry, no blade at the moment, that is being cleaned and stained.

I've got a few pieces of this stuff, but this handle was the only piece I could put my hand on without searching.

[Battara]

So what is the nature of black coral's talismanic properties?

BTW - great examples folks!

[A. G. Maisey]

I have acquired all of the black coral I've had over the years in Bali. In the 1960's through into the 1980's there were always a lot of black coral bracelets on offer, souvenir quality through to very nice jewellery pieces, however, in recent years it has just about disappeared, I did see a few bracelets for sale in April of this year, but nothing I'd spend money on.

Anyway, in the '70's it was sold as a potent protection against spells and black magic, and many Balinese people used to, and still do wear it.

[A. G. Maisey]

I knew I had these somewhere. Found them shifting stuff around so my painters could do some work.

Black coral bracelets, Bali, around 1974.

[apolaki]

Here is mine. It is shaped like a finger and even has a finger nail!

[A. G. Maisey]

Pretty useful.

Good for driving in traffic.