KERIS FOR COMMENT AND IDENTIFICATION
 

I welcome your opinions of this one.

The hilt appears to be marine ivory in the Madura style

The blade does not look Balinese, but why the Buddha ?

Do you think the Buddha was added much later. I have always thought it looked crudely carved although the gold leaf appears well done.

Is it just an " Upmarket " Tourist piece?

I bought it in 1985 from a dealer in the UK. He had no history with it.

Thanks in advance

Royston

Yes, i would say that there are very clear tool marks that would lead me to believe that the "buddha" was added later, possiblly even just before it's sale to you. As to the figure itself, i don't think Madura has been as strictly Islamic as some other island. Certainly a lot of figurative carving comes out of that area.
I'd say the hilt is ivory, but i'm not so sure it is marine ivory. Why do you think so?

Hello Royston,
I would guess that David is right, the figure is added later to upgrade the blade. But maybe the complete blade is a recent work.
The hilt is a very nice one and I hope that the price for the keris have been like this to compensate the worth of the hilt. And you are right, it is marine ivory from walrus to see by the crystalline structure at some places. Very nice hilt!
Regards,
sajen

Thank you gentlemen.

Not what I wanted to hear, but it is what I expected to hear.

David
The reason I think it is marine ivory is exactly as Sajen has said about the crystalline structure.

regards
Royston

Hello Royston,
don't worry, the hilt is superb and I am sure that you will find a good blade for it!
regards,
sajen

Hilt is marine ivory, it also have "clowds". Rino dont have it, only diamonds strucure. But never the les, i personaly think its looks well carfed.. and im not cursed iff i would have one or some of them. :D

And the wilah, posibly madura fabricly made....i think same as above.. you wil find a beter one in time.

regards Michel