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Originally Posted by F. de Luzon
Here is a keris from Terengganu, Malaysia (purchased in Kuala Lumpur).
Located at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the state is known for its heritage crafts such as wood carving, brassware and ironware. While they keep the tradition of keris making alive by producing high quality blades, the present example is meant for the tourist market. Aside from the low quality blade, the hilt and sheath are of non-traditional design.
The 9 luk blade is 46 cm long. The nicely carved hilt and sheath are made of meranti wood. The pendokok (hilt cup) is cast from brass. It's a nice souvenir but of a different quality from the traditional Keris Melayu.
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Thanks for showing - I agree with your evaluation. This is a pretty fine example for those who are traveling for pleasure though. I also have seen way poorer examples being utilized for ceremonies...
It is interesting that traditional carving motifs have been used in non-traditional manner with the scabbard (and hilt).
There obviously are some shortcuts with material, carving and finishing to cater for another market. I wonder how prices compare between this kind of keris and a real keris Melayu (of lower end quality)?
Regards,
Kai