Types of Keris

[Spunjer]

ok, i would like to ask a general question in regards to the indonesian keris. i'm definitely out of my comfort zone here, and i'm trying to make sense about the keris classification. in the moro realm, a collector can split up the different type of kris according to the major tribes, namely Maranao, Maguindanao, and Sulu. how would you do that with the indonesian keris? here's what i know so far:
Bali Keris
Bugis Keris
Jawa Keris
Sulawesi Keris
Pattani Keris (kingfisher)
is there anything else i'm missing? how can you tell the difference between those kerises?

[Shakethetrees]

Good questions!

As a relative newbie here, I've been trying to get up to speed on this topic as well!

[A. G. Maisey]

This is a really great question, its so basic, yet for somebody who is not into keris it is clear that identification of the various broad classifications can be a total mystery.

I'm not going to attempt to answer this in detail, I'll leave that to everybody else, but I will say this:-

It is possible to identify the geographic point of origin of most varieties of both complete keris, and keris blades.

A complete keris will not infrequently have a blade that has come from a different place than the scabbard, hilt, and other fittings, but the complete keris is classified by what can be seen when the keris is in its scabbard.

When the keris is removed from its scabbard and the blade can be seen, the legitimate classification should include the geographic origin of the blade, if this can be identified. So we would get a classification such as: " a Javanese keris from Jogjakarta with a Bugis blade"

If our members here feel inclined, I could see this thread turn into a classic with pictures of all the different types of keris we can identify, and all those which we cannot identify also.

[Jean]

Hi Spunger,
I will just try to amend and complete your classification list of Indonesian krisses by origin as follows:
. Javanese krisses (Central Java, East Java, North Coast, West Java)
. Madurese krisses
. Bali/ Lombok krisses
. Sulawesi & Sumbawa krisses (Bugis)
. Sumatra krisses (South Sumatra, Jambi, Riau (bahari & panjang), Riau Lingga (Bugis), Minangkabau/ West Sumatra, Gayo, Aceh)
. Kalimantan (Borneo) krisses (Banjarmasin, Moro)

There are of course many sub-types and specific types of krisses such as the Yogyakarta and Solo krisses in Central Java, Toraja krisses in Sulawesi, etc. and this classification can be disputed and amended as required.

Pattani is located in Thailand so should be excluded.
Regards

[Gajah]

Great topic, I was a little shy to ask such a basic question myself, but am glad it comes up now.

Originally Posted by Jean

Pattani is located in Thailand so should be excluded.

Was this style of keris not also produced in Malaysia and across the straits in Sumatra?

[Spunjer]

thank you Alan and Jean.
it's fairly common practice among the moros to do the same thing, as in a mishmash of different handle, blade and scabbard from a different tribes, but a good place to start would be a complete keris in a scabbard. a picture or two from those individual places Jean mentioned would be great as well.
as a collector, this would be a good starting point, as in acquiring an example from each of those location.

[David]

Originally Posted by Jean

Pattani is located in Thailand so should be excluded.

You are not incorrect given the question, however i believe Ron is making a division between Moro kris and Malay/Indonesian keris when he asks about the various types of Indo keris. If i am correct in that assumptions then Pattini keris should indeed be included (though not technically Indonesian) as well as other Malay Peninsula keris that would include Terrengganu and Kelantan.
Ron, the "kingfisher" variety you mention might better be referred to as Tajong since most folks seem to agree that these long-nosed beaks are probably more likely based on a Wayang character rather than the kingfisher bird.
Another classification missing so far is the Malay sundang which much resembles the Moro variety kris in size and design.

[Spunjer]

there are so many ways and reasons to collect kerises. in my case, i'm starting to feel enamored with these beauties, and i would like to approach this as getting an example from different areas, for starters. yes, even though the pattani tajong (thanks, David!) is not considered as Indonesian, i would like to acquire an example from this area as well.
the tajong, or coteng, are pretty easy to spot, being that the pommel is quite unique, and it really stands out. as far as the indonesian varieties, that's when it gets muddled, for me anyways...