Show us your Talismanic markings on keris blades

Green · 29th December 2016, 03:05 AM

I'm quite fascinated by markings that one can sometime find on some keris blades- Particularly on antique blades. These days keris makers make all sorts of marks on blades by copying old marks simply for decorative purposes without any proper ceremonies or mantras attended to the making of these talismanic markings (ketandaan) as done in the old days.

Would love if dear members can show us some examples of your blade talismanic markings and if possible tell us their probable meaning or purpose.

Here is an example from me. A simple but old keris anak alang most probably from Kelantan Malaysia or Patani(?).

There are 2 markings on one side of the blade. A gat ? (Guard) which runs across the blade at the base , and a furrow termed as 'anak sungai' (stream/rivulet) running along the middle of the blade with a break in the centre of the blade which then continues towards the top part.

I don't know the meaning of this markings but has been told that the purpose is to prevent the enemy from finding you . But on the other hand this blade is not good for business purposes (because the customers won't find you!).

don't know what the rivulet is suppose to mean.

Jean · 29th December 2016, 09:20 AM

Hello Green,
From the pics I am wondering whether these markings are purposely made or just welding flaws?
Regards

Jean · 29th December 2016, 09:26 AM

Hello Green,
I attach pics of a Javanese blade with engravings partly inlaid with gold, the top motif is called pilulut.
Regards

David · 29th December 2016, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

From the pics I am wondering whether these markings are purposely made or just welding flaws?

That was my impression as well. The groove down that center (what you call "anak sungai") may well be intentional, but that other gash in the blade surface looks more like a forging flaw to me.

Green · 29th December 2016, 04:05 PM

from what i understood and been told the mark was intentional... looks a bit awkward it is true...

Jean;

Do you know what is the meaning and purpose of those golden marks on your keris?

David · 29th December 2016, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green

from what i understood and been told the mark was intentional... looks a bit awkward it is true...

Well, people do tend to tell us a lot of things in regards to keris that are not necessary true...though in the end belief seems to trump truth a lot of the time in these situations.

Green · 30th December 2016, 03:10 AM

David;

Belief attending to meaning of marks and other belief regarding the history and background of the keris is one thing and can be exteremely subjective.

but the marks on keris is a hard objective fact. If we can see it on the keris , it is certainly purposely made - for whatever reason. Marks are usually obvious (not always) and can not be mistaken from incidental defects to the blade.

Jean · 30th December 2016, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green

Jean;

Do you know what is the meaning and purpose of those golden marks on your keris?

Hello Green,
The golden marks were recently made or refurbished I think but the engravings look original.
Regards

A. G. Maisey · 30th December 2016, 11:04 AM

I would need to examine the first blade under magnification to know what I was looking at.

29th December 2016, 03:05 AM	#1
Green Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Malaysia Posts: 312	Show us your Talismanic markings on keris blades I'm quite fascinated by markings that one can sometime find on some keris blades- Particularly on antique blades. These days keris makers make all sorts of marks on blades by copying old marks simply for decorative purposes without any proper ceremonies or mantras attended to the making of these talismanic markings (ketandaan) as done in the old days. Would love if dear members can show us some examples of your blade talismanic markings and if possible tell us their probable meaning or purpose. Here is an example from me. A simple but old keris anak alang most probably from Kelantan Malaysia or Patani(?). There are 2 markings on one side of the blade. A gat ? (Guard) which runs across the blade at the base , and a furrow termed as 'anak sungai' (stream/rivulet) running along the middle of the blade with a break in the centre of the blade which then continues towards the top part. I don't know the meaning of this markings but has been told that the purpose is to prevent the enemy from finding you . But on the other hand this blade is not good for business purposes (because the customers won't find you!). don't know what the rivulet is suppose to mean. Attached Images

29th December 2016, 09:26 AM	#3
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Hello Green, I attach pics of a Javanese blade with engravings partly inlaid with gold, the top motif is called pilulut. Regards Attached Images

29th December 2016, 09:20 AM	#2
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Hello Green, From the pics I am wondering whether these markings are purposely made or just welding flaws? Regards

29th December 2016, 04:05 PM	#5
Green Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Malaysia Posts: 312	from what i understood and been told the mark was intentional... looks a bit awkward it is true... Jean; Do you know what is the meaning and purpose of those golden marks on your keris?

30th December 2016, 03:10 AM	#7
Green Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Malaysia Posts: 312	David; Belief attending to meaning of marks and other belief regarding the history and background of the keris is one thing and can be exteremely subjective. but the marks on keris is a hard objective fact. If we can see it on the keris , it is certainly purposely made - for whatever reason. Marks are usually obvious (not always) and can not be mistaken from incidental defects to the blade.

30th December 2016, 11:04 AM	#9
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,877	I would need to examine the first blade under magnification to know what I was looking at.