Composite Sumatran keris?

KLUNGKLUNG · 21st February 2014, 07:29 PM

Hello everybody,

This is most probably a composite keris with a very nice hippo handle of Malay origin ( ? ), indicator: the high crest. The wavy blade Bugis / Sumatran. But no clue about the selut and moreover the sarong. It is an old piece with a flashy wood pattern but the shape is odd. Bought as a Palembang keris but the features do not match.

Sajen · 25th February 2014, 09:01 PM

Hello,

since nobody else have comment until now I will try it. Blade is Bugis style but also found in Malaysia. Hilt and pendokok is like you write already also from Malaysia and when I am not mistaken is the form of sheath also a Malay form, very similar to the Madura ladrang form. Can you show a picture how the blade fit inside the sheath? Will do some research if I can find a similar sheath.

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 25th February 2014, 09:41 PM

Hello again,

I am nearly sure that you have there a very nice and rare keris Bugis Terengganu or Kelantan, the sheath form is called kusiwo or pucuk kacang. Sadly our Malay members are not anymore very active here in the forum but maybe one of them will jump in and will be able to tell you more.
Attached is a picture of a Terrengganu keris in a similar sheath taken from Malay-art-gallery (sold one). The form is not direct the same but like said similar. The wood from your sheath is made from kemuning IMHO.
When you not happy with this keris I would be happy to take it from your hands!!

Regards,
Detlef

David · 25th February 2014, 10:14 PM

I am inclined to agree with Detlef that this may not be a composite piece, but fully Malay in origin. I'm not sure that you nailed the sheath ID however, since there are some more than subtle differences with the one you posted. I am a bit confused by the way the stem terminates as most that i see from the Malay side tend to have flat bottom, not this rounded end.
It would be nice to see Kai Wee or Shahrial comment here as these types of keris are really their area of study.

Sajen · 25th February 2014, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

I am inclined to agree with Detlef that this may not be a composite piece, but fully Malay in origin. I'm not sure that you nailed the sheath ID however, since there are some more than subtle differences with the one you posted. I am a bit confused by the way the stem terminates as most that i see from the Malay side tend to have flat bottom, not this rounded end.
It would be nice to see Kai Wee or Shahrial comment here as these types of keris are really their area of study.

Hi David, I am not 100% sure about the sheath form as well but think that I have seen it before and agree also that the stem end is very unusual. And I am with you, would like to read the opinion from Kai Wee, Sharial or Dave. Also Gustav may be able to tell us more.

Regards,
Detlef

KLUNGKLUNG · 27th February 2014, 11:36 AM

Thanks for the comments and hope the additional pics will be helpful and an invitation for more background information.....
My observations:
The ganja is peeping out slightly but not uncommon.
The tip end of both warangka wings are missing a small chip and the back of the sampir showing very fine haircracks indicating age, so does the dark dusty slot opening imo.

21st February 2014, 07:29 PM	#1
KLUNGKLUNG Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 24	Composite Sumatran keris? Hello everybody, This is most probably a composite keris with a very nice hippo handle of Malay origin ( ? ), indicator: the high crest. The wavy blade Bugis / Sumatran. But no clue about the selut and moreover the sarong. It is an old piece with a flashy wood pattern but the shape is odd. Bought as a Palembang keris but the features do not match. Attached Images

25th February 2014, 09:41 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,786	Hello again, I am nearly sure that you have there a very nice and rare keris Bugis Terengganu or Kelantan, the sheath form is called kusiwo or pucuk kacang. Sadly our Malay members are not anymore very active here in the forum but maybe one of them will jump in and will be able to tell you more. Attached is a picture of a Terrengganu keris in a similar sheath taken from Malay-art-gallery (sold one). The form is not direct the same but like said similar. The wood from your sheath is made from kemuning IMHO. When you not happy with this keris I would be happy to take it from your hands!! Regards, Detlef Attached Images Last edited by Sajen; 25th February 2014 at 09:53 PM.

27th February 2014, 11:36 AM	#6
KLUNGKLUNG Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 24	Thanks for the comments and hope the additional pics will be helpful and an invitation for more background information..... My observations: The ganja is peeping out slightly but not uncommon. The tip end of both warangka wings are missing a small chip and the back of the sampir showing very fine haircracks indicating age, so does the dark dusty slot opening imo. Attached Images

25th February 2014, 09:01 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,786	Hello, since nobody else have comment until now I will try it. Blade is Bugis style but also found in Malaysia. Hilt and pendokok is like you write already also from Malaysia and when I am not mistaken is the form of sheath also a Malay form, very similar to the Madura ladrang form. Can you show a picture how the blade fit inside the sheath? Will do some research if I can find a similar sheath. Regards, Detlef

25th February 2014, 10:14 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,127	I am inclined to agree with Detlef that this may not be a composite piece, but fully Malay in origin. I'm not sure that you nailed the sheath ID however, since there are some more than subtle differences with the one you posted. I am a bit confused by the way the stem terminates as most that i see from the Malay side tend to have flat bottom, not this rounded end. It would be nice to see Kai Wee or Shahrial comment here as these types of keris are really their area of study.