Bottom line is: Caveat Emptor
With regard to kerises, it depends on how much of a purist and/or traditionalist you are. Given the history of Solo/Surakarta and Yogayakarta, starting from the 'split', a purist steeped in tradition would never mix the two.
Madura hilts on kerises from other areas may be due to:
- Madurese were often used as soldiers in Java and other areas
- Large Madurese communities settled in areas outside Madura
- A lot of people consider Madurese hilts. like Palembang hilts and Bugis hilts to be the best in the region.
Unless you personally have the wherewithal, it's safer to rely on people you have come to trust or their referrals.
Regards.
|