Leader hook in the shape of a snake

Unknown artist

This is a bridle hook in the shape of a crowned snake, a naga. There are also examples with a bird's head. Some examples are made of cast bronze, others are forged and encrusted with gold and precious stones. These were used by noble or wealthy people. Initially, such hooks were attached to a saddle, a touring saddle, to hang the reins while riding in order to have the hands free. Also, two large flaps (ebeg) could be attached to protect the flanks of a horse. These flaps were made of coloured leather and decorated with embroidery. A lithograph in the museum shows the hook being attached to the belt of tournament riders. \A painting, photographs and an object in the museum's collection show that this hook was also attached to a belt. These were worn by royalty or very high nobility. For example, there is a youth portrait painted in 1881 of the later Susuhunan Paku Buwono X (1866 - 1939), in which he is shown as a seven-year-old boy with such a guiding hook on his belt. In several photographs when he is a young monarch, he is also wearing such a hook, each time with a short jacket. In photos when he is older, he no longer wears such hooks. \Sultan Hamengku Buwono VI (1821 - 1877) wears a bridle hook, but on a belt band on a long jacket. It was probably a custom in the 19th century. In the 20th century, jackets seem to have become longer and the bridle hook has disappeared as part of the traditional costume.‖ Anthropologist Helen Jessup describes this hook as a cengkal, a kainop holder, used by young boys who have just been circumcised. The hook would keep the kain or sarong from rubbing against the wound. The cengkal in our collection are quite simple in appearance. The nice appearance of the leash hooks is strange if it would be used as a kainop holder, because it is not visible. It would also be strange if adult men would use this hook in their clothing.