A bit unusual keris

rasdan · 8th March 2005, 02:51 AM

Hi guys,

Nothing much about this one. Only the size is rather unusual. Ganja to tip is 18". The blade curves and ends at a very narrow point. I think its for piercing chainmails. Its rather heavy as the thickness at ganja is around 1 cm. Pamor is as typical bugis blades, ujung gunung+wos wutah and wengkon. Its not too clear however. Sorry that the pictures are not that nice. I took it in nightime. Still trying to figure out the best way to take pictures.

Andrew · 8th March 2005, 03:00 AM

In spite of my hesitation to jump into the "shark pool" with you guys, I like this keris very much, rasdan.

Thank you for sharing with us.

Was chain mail common in Indonesia at any time? If not, why would an empu make a mail-piercing blade (if that's what it is)?

rasdan · 8th March 2005, 03:05 AM

Hi Andrew,

The Bugis use chainmails. Theres one or two specimen of theese mails in museums in KL. I think they got the idea from their neighbouring Moros.

rahman · 8th March 2005, 04:18 AM

So, Pak Rasdan

Do you think it was used against the Bugis (17-19th century) or against the Portuguese and Dutch (15th century)?

Er, sorry but I can't tell if this is a Malay oir Bugis keris? Maklumlah just beginning

John · 8th March 2005, 06:53 AM

I like the beauty of simplicity of this thick graceful Bugis sepokal blade well complemented by it's matching pendokok. Good find and syabas.

rasdan · 8th March 2005, 08:15 AM

Hi guys,

From my point of view this keris is in straits bugis style (slightly curved and convex cross section) and I think it's used by the straits bugis during the war with Siak in 1700's. However i havent done any research regarding this to support my opinion.

Thanks John, nevertheless i still highly admiring your rhino horn bugis. Its simply stunning.

Andrew · 11th March 2005, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasdan

Hi Andrew,

The Bugis use chainmails. Theres one or two specimen of theese mails in museums in KL. I think they got the idea from their neighbouring Moros.

Hi Rasdan,

I missed this entirely until just now.

Thanks for the explanation. Interesting stuff. I've been a proponant of mail-piercing tips on pesh kabz and various Indo-Persian forms, but have not given much thought to the SEA weapons in this role.

Magabani, don't you have a full set of Moro mail?

rasdan · 11th March 2005, 07:55 AM

Hi Andrew,

Heres some armour used by Malays. The first is made of tin and the second made of crocodile skin.

rahman · 11th March 2005, 07:59 AM

wow!

Pak Rasdan -- are these photos from Muzium Negara KL? I don't recall ever seeing them.

With armor like these, the Malays don't have to worry about being kebal

Are these bullet-proof? I don't mean from an M-16 but rather from a 19th century musket.

8th March 2005, 02:51 AM	#1
rasdan Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 368	A bit unusual keris Hi guys, Nothing much about this one. Only the size is rather unusual. Ganja to tip is 18". The blade curves and ends at a very narrow point. I think its for piercing chainmails. Its rather heavy as the thickness at ganja is around 1 cm. Pamor is as typical bugis blades, ujung gunung+wos wutah and wengkon. Its not too clear however. Sorry that the pictures are not that nice. I took it in nightime. Still trying to figure out the best way to take pictures. Attached Images

11th March 2005, 07:55 AM	#8
rasdan Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 368	Hi Andrew, Heres some armour used by Malays. The first is made of tin and the second made of crocodile skin. Attached Images

8th March 2005, 03:00 AM	#2
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	In spite of my hesitation to jump into the "shark pool" with you guys, I like this keris very much, rasdan. Thank you for sharing with us. Was chain mail common in Indonesia at any time? If not, why would an empu make a mail-piercing blade (if that's what it is)?

8th March 2005, 03:05 AM	#3
rasdan Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 368	Hi Andrew, The Bugis use chainmails. Theres one or two specimen of theese mails in museums in KL. I think they got the idea from their neighbouring Moros.

8th March 2005, 04:18 AM	#4
rahman Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 84	So, Pak Rasdan Do you think it was used against the Bugis (17-19th century) or against the Portuguese and Dutch (15th century)? Er, sorry but I can't tell if this is a Malay oir Bugis keris? Maklumlah just beginning

8th March 2005, 06:53 AM	#5
John Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Land below the wind Posts: 135	I like the beauty of simplicity of this thick graceful Bugis sepokal blade well complemented by it's matching pendokok. Good find and syabas.

8th March 2005, 08:15 AM	#6
rasdan Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 368	Hi guys, From my point of view this keris is in straits bugis style (slightly curved and convex cross section) and I think it's used by the straits bugis during the war with Siak in 1700's. However i havent done any research regarding this to support my opinion. Thanks John, nevertheless i still highly admiring your rhino horn bugis. Its simply stunning.

11th March 2005, 07:59 AM	#9
rahman Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 84	wow! Pak Rasdan -- are these photos from Muzium Negara KL? I don't recall ever seeing them. With armor like these, the Malays don't have to worry about being kebal Are these bullet-proof? I don't mean from an M-16 but rather from a 19th century musket.