Indonesian "Greeks"

When I was in Greece a few years ago - I was dazzled by what the Greeks had accomplished 4,000 years ago and the civilization debt we all owe those Greeks.  The flip side is it's all been downhill ever since.  I had the same feeling visiting the Sultan's palace in Indonesia.  The accomplishments (temples of Borobudur and Pramabaram) from the 9th century - WOW - but since then .........

See for yourself

Beast and Beauty picture.  Proof from the start - yes we did visit.

This is the face of famous evil person from Indian/Hindu play (see Ballet post) - used extensively - story is from pre-AD time frame and came to Indonesia around 8-9th century AD.

Jessica is the one without the protruding teeth

Missed the Sunday musical performance (visited on a Monday) - I would have paid to have a chance to play.

Others probably would have paid more for me not to be allowed.

Assorted "sultan" objects.  Our guide was worshipful of the sultan and made it sound like his was a very powerful royal line and he and his predecessors we key rulers in pre-colonial, colonial and Independence times.

Another guide (of the Royal baths) explained that there were multiple sultans and this one was the sultan not of Java but of Yogjakarta (a large city, but .....)

 


All the guides worked for free (2 days per week).  Hereditary position for several generation that included a house (deed was linked to someone in the family working for the sultan) and pension.  So very highly sought after roles.

People have been the morning (as opposed to afternoon) tea maker for the sultan for multiple generations - their mother is so proud

Culture is that the baby (in this case the Sultan's child) would be put into a cage with a variety of toys and the one the child picked would be his (not sure if girls had the same "choices") training and career.  Reminds me of the joke about an American Indian who was unhappy with his name (since a name was given based on the first thing the child's father saw walking out of the teepee) related to two dogs procreating.

Even more limiting than the European/Asian approach of career/fate determined by exams taken by 10-12 years olds.

Assorted objects in the courtyard of the Sultan.  An interesting mix from all cultures - Sultan balancing his subjects.  As next pictures demonstrate often "fusion" between cultures.

This is from Chinese culture. 

Gift from the Dutch in late 1800s.  I was surprised how reverently the guide talked about everything Europeans and gifts.

She tried to make it sound like because the Sultan was a world player - seems more like tokens given to an anklebiter.

Reception center - the pillars have designs from Hindu, Buddhist and Islam.  The Sultan shows respect for all three religions/cultures - seems like wise statesmanship.

Indonesia is officially an Islamic country but much more open to other religions than our Malaysian experience

Along with ornate ceiling

 Another reception/dance hall with mixed cultural symbols. 

 Full combo of cultural combinations!

How the Sultan used to travel (carried around by 8-10 people).  I always wonder why would you want to be carried when you could put wheels on this cart and likely go faster.  Maybe it has to due with the quality (or lack of) the roads.

Notice the VII - signifies the 7th Sultan - more later on signifying lineage order.

Still don't understand the lack of wheels but if I'm going to be carried -

       I like the "bow" of this carriage much better than the generic red. 

European objects of art gifts.  Ok for my face to be on the teapot and cups but a serving platter? 

I guess if mirrors are a luxury you need constant reminders of what you look like.

How do I (or more importantly others) know my order in the Sultan lineage?  

By the number of feathers on my crest!  So this for the 8th Sultan.

Very creative in how many places this symbol can be placed. 
 

 
 


I never got a clear answer on what the new Sultan (as he moved from son of the Sultan) did with all the emblems of the previous Sultan.

Did they add a feather or start over?

Probably some great garage sales on old Sultan "stuff"

But the lasting impression I have of the Sultan of Yogjakarta is that they should be getting royalties from Star Trek - this must be where Gene Roddenberry got his ideas for Vulcan's ears.  This is not a real ear but rather an ear 'accessory" that symbolizes wisdom.

I'd not survive long in court as the stern face combined with the ears make me laugh.

 
Hard to see from this picture but this is how the "prince" would be dressed before his coronation.  Reminds me of Minnie Mouse preparing for a wrestling match.

Whatever works in your culture.

Some of the designer clothes displayed on catwalks in the fashion capitols of US and Europe are even goofier and less practical.

I love this picture - the royal line with ears ready to give flight!  The founders of the dynasty were smart enough to not need "wisdom" ears.  Usually the founders of anything are the sharpest tools.

Notice how the founder is much less "European" than the rest of the line .......  Less need for medals as well.

Puppet stained glass - I'm not a puppet fan but cool

Obviously I don't understand or appreciate some of the recent history of the Yogjakarta Sultan dynasty but I really like Indonesia and plan on spending plenty of time there over the next couple of years.