Characteristics of Punokawan hilts

apolaki · 8th August 2020, 03:20 AM

Hi, I was curious to know what are some common characteristics found on keris hilts that depict Punokawan like Semar?

A. G. Maisey · 8th August 2020, 03:28 AM

I suggest that you start here:-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/125321218@N07/20725537535

Here are some typical illustrations:-

https://www.123rf.com/photo_12032368...ustration.html

apolaki · 8th August 2020, 09:40 PM

Thanks! I am familiar with how they look in general in wayang and other drawings, but I was wondering if there are specific ways they are carved on keris hilts. If a hilt has a large belly or certain clothing or necklace, hair style are they considered to be a depiction of the 4 brothers. Some hilts have these but not the exact facial features for instance. Would they still be Punokawanbl or represent something else?

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

I suggest that you start here:-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/125321218@N07/20725537535

Here are some typical illustrations:-

https://www.123rf.com/photo_12032368...ustration.html

A. G. Maisey · 8th August 2020, 10:24 PM

Carvers vary in their style & ability, variations characteristic of one carver might not be characteristic of another. This applies with most art work, including carvings.

With the punakawans each one has a specific characteristic, so you look for this characteristic. If you cannot find the characteristic that a punakawan is recognised by, then it is not a punakawan, what it is then supposed to be who knows?

Rick · 9th August 2020, 02:25 AM

I figure the partial handle shown in my avatar is probably Semar.

He is mounted on one of my kerises in storage; I'll see if I can hunt him up and show you.

Jean · 9th August 2020, 02:33 PM

Most of the punakawan hilts which I have seen are from Bali/ Lombok and according to the Lombok expert EAN Van Veenendaal they depict the balinese equivalent of the Javanese heroes: Tualen (Semar), Merdah (Togog), Sangut (Gareng), Jaragan (Petruk), and Delem (Bagong).
The 2 common features on these togogan hilts are the tuft of hair above the head, and the ape-like face which could create confusion with Anoman (but Anoman always wear a tail).
These hilts are not that common and most of them seem rather recent, see one typical specimen from my collection.

8th August 2020, 03:20 AM	#1
apolaki Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 160	Characteristics of Punokawan hilts Hi, I was curious to know what are some common characteristics found on keris hilts that depict Punokawan like Semar?

9th August 2020, 02:33 PM	#6
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Most of the punakawan hilts which I have seen are from Bali/ Lombok and according to the Lombok expert EAN Van Veenendaal they depict the balinese equivalent of the Javanese heroes: Tualen (Semar), Merdah (Togog), Sangut (Gareng), Jaragan (Petruk), and Delem (Bagong). The 2 common features on these togogan hilts are the tuft of hair above the head, and the ape-like face which could create confusion with Anoman (but Anoman always wear a tail). These hilts are not that common and most of them seem rather recent, see one typical specimen from my collection. Attached Images

8th August 2020, 03:28 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,697	I suggest that you start here:- https://www.flickr.com/photos/125321218@N07/20725537535 Here are some typical illustrations:- https://www.123rf.com/photo_12032368...ustration.html

8th August 2020, 10:24 PM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,697	Carvers vary in their style & ability, variations characteristic of one carver might not be characteristic of another. This applies with most art work, including carvings. With the punakawans each one has a specific characteristic, so you look for this characteristic. If you cannot find the characteristic that a punakawan is recognised by, then it is not a punakawan, what it is then supposed to be who knows?

9th August 2020, 02:25 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	I figure the partial handle shown in my avatar is probably Semar. He is mounted on one of my kerises in storage; I'll see if I can hunt him up and show you.