God Semar, the Guardian Spirit of Java

God Semar, the Guardian Spirit of Java

I saw this handcrafted wood sculpture of Semar, the guardian spirit of Java in National Geographic Store as a decor for a wealthy home owner for only £6,639.00.

I think it is a contradiction to the aim of National Geographic Society to preseve our ancient past!

It is interesting to read the first paragraph of the description:

"This handcrafted Mindy wood sculpture of an Indonesian wise man, Semar, dates from early 1900.In the mythology, he is the guardian spirit of Java and is regarded by some as the most sacred figure of the Kotak.He is said to be the god Sang Hyang Ismaya in human form.It would make a unique, eyecatching addition to any space."

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 kotak (wayang set). He is said to be the god Sang Hyang Ismaya in human form.

The name Semar is said to derive from the Javanese word samar ("dim, obscure, mysterious"). He is often referred to with the honorific, "Kyai Lurah Semar" ("the venerable chief").