Product Description
Antique Balinese Cockfighting Spur Container 1
Material: Wood
Style: Bali, Indonesia
Size: Height 19 cm, Width 8 cm, Depth 2.5 cm
Order Number: MHSABCFSC1
Called kotak taji, this is a small box in which razor sharp double-bladed steel spurs (taji), about 10 centimetres long, used for a cockfight, are kept and handed down from one generation to the next. The spur should be forged during a new moon and preferably during a violent thunderstorm. There are lots of superstitions, many of which are contained in the old palm leaf lontar books. The spur is tied on to the cock’s leg.
There was cockfighting in China in the 6th century BC. It also took place in India, Persia and Ancient Rome and in more modern times Denmark and Spain and among royalty and aristocrats in England. It was also enjoyed in the United States, Latin America and Cuba. It’s been outlawed under cruelty against animal legislation in these countries.
Centuries ago cockfighting – and gambling – were compulsory in Indonesia – and taxed. Cockfighting has been now banned by law throughout Indonesia, although it still takes place. Bali was the last island to ban it in 1981, but 3 bouts are allowed for purification purposes during a Balinese religious ceremony. There is no need to make more spur boxes and the art will die out.
Offerings called caru, including part of an animal, often chickens, are placed on the ground to appease bad spirits and avoid harm. Fresh blood spit on the ground from rounds of paired roosters during cockfighting (tajen) is within this category as it delights evil demons.
It is a favourite sport for Balinese men and gambling is a big attraction.
The carving is Twalen, the favourite Balinese clown character from the Mahabarata, the long Indian epic of the 9th century. He served the Pandawas and is a shadow puppet in the wayang theatre. The clowns tell jokes and narrate the story for the audience. They translate the Kawi language which the others speak and few people understand. Twalen is comic but wise and a teacher, who gives advice to gods and men. He has a deformed, grotesque body like someone who has swallowed a mountain. He has a fat face and snub nose. Semar is frequently described as neither male nor female. Note he is wearing a finely checked poleng sarong, which symbolises the fight between good and evil.
He is called Semar in Java and is the Guardian God of Java and knows the wills of the gods and men.
More information about Cockfights here: https://www.murnis.com/culture/balinese-cockfights/ and in our book Secrets of Bali.
About 50-60 years old.
Please ask for the price (or make an offer).
