Hierarchical ranks in the Surakarta keraton

Paul B. · 26th July 2018, 12:02 PM

If we consider these Sunggigan krisses as being used for formal events then there is no difference in the dress code for a Gayaman versus Ladrang as opposed to the unpainted versions?
Here is one with a black back ground?
Decorated with Kala and one eyed Bintulu creature (along the opening of the blewah).

A. G. Maisey · 26th July 2018, 01:04 PM

Paul, there are events of varying natures. The style of dress, and the style of keris dress can vary according to the nature of the event. In some instances it may be acceptable for some people to wear gayaman keris dress, but not for other people. The answer to what is acceptable when, where and by whom is really a question that can only be answered by an authority on the protocol that applies in a particular kraton or social setting. My knowledge does not extend that far.

Black is the colour for a jajar.

Jean · 26th July 2018, 01:33 PM

So it is better to buy a white sunggingan scabbard in ladrang style than a black gayaman!

Paul B. · 26th July 2018, 08:34 PM

A kris for a Jajar based on the pendok (or the main black colour of the scabbard) but what if the pendok was a red one initially?

A. G. Maisey · 26th July 2018, 11:07 PM

Conflict in colour combinations can indicate a couple of things, it could be a case of an hereditary entitlement and an administrative or military entitlement for the same individual, or it could simply be a case of incorrect mixing by somebody who did not understand the rules.

Paul B. · 27th July 2018, 04:36 AM

Can we as collectors indicate which pendok is correct just by looking at the scabbard? Impossible I guess because of the possible entitlements.
Second: I have seen Sunggingan with bunton pendoks but was told they actually should wear a blewah. Is that the tumb of rules?

A. G. Maisey · 27th July 2018, 06:38 AM

The table in post #1 gives a clear indication of what is correct.

Where pendok colour varies from the table it is as per comment in post #5.

You can very easily know if a gandar was originally made for a blewah pendok because there will be traces of the blewah.

If we are talking only about sunggingans the motif will indicate if it should have been continued down the front of the gandar.

26th July 2018, 12:02 PM	#1
Paul B. Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 205	If we consider these Sunggigan krisses as being used for formal events then there is no difference in the dress code for a Gayaman versus Ladrang as opposed to the unpainted versions? Here is one with a black back ground? Decorated with Kala and one eyed Bintulu creature (along the opening of the blewah). Attached Images

26th July 2018, 01:04 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,992	Paul, there are events of varying natures. The style of dress, and the style of keris dress can vary according to the nature of the event. In some instances it may be acceptable for some people to wear gayaman keris dress, but not for other people. The answer to what is acceptable when, where and by whom is really a question that can only be answered by an authority on the protocol that applies in a particular kraton or social setting. My knowledge does not extend that far. Black is the colour for a jajar.

26th July 2018, 01:33 PM	#3
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	So it is better to buy a white sunggingan scabbard in ladrang style than a black gayaman!

26th July 2018, 08:34 PM	#4
Paul B. Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 205	A kris for a Jajar based on the pendok (or the main black colour of the scabbard) but what if the pendok was a red one initially?

26th July 2018, 11:07 PM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,992	Conflict in colour combinations can indicate a couple of things, it could be a case of an hereditary entitlement and an administrative or military entitlement for the same individual, or it could simply be a case of incorrect mixing by somebody who did not understand the rules.

27th July 2018, 04:36 AM	#6
Paul B. Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 205	Can we as collectors indicate which pendok is correct just by looking at the scabbard? Impossible I guess because of the possible entitlements. Second: I have seen Sunggingan with bunton pendoks but was told they actually should wear a blewah. Is that the tumb of rules?

27th July 2018, 06:38 AM	#7
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,992	The table in post #1 gives a clear indication of what is correct. Where pendok colour varies from the table it is as per comment in post #5. You can very easily know if a gandar was originally made for a blewah pendok because there will be traces of the blewah. If we are talking only about sunggingans the motif will indicate if it should have been continued down the front of the gandar.