Hand Carved buying Wood Knife Holder, Bali - Indonesia

An old hand carved knife older from Bali or Java. Intricate botanical motifs on front with a carved figure of Semar on verso. Clever carved slots for a belt complete the piece.

Semar is a character in Javanese mythology who frequently appears in wayang shadow plays. He is one of the punokawan (clowns), but is in fact divine and very wise. He is the dhanyang (guardian spirit) of Java, and is regarded by some as the most sacred figure of the wayang buying set. He is said to be the god Sang Hyang Ismaya in human form. He is often referred to with the honorific, "Kyai Lurah Semar" ("the venerable chief"). ex Wikipedia, with thanks.

Measures about 8 inches high, 10 inches wide, and about 2 inches thick along the top edge.