Introduction

[Sam U Rye]

Hello everyone!
I'm writing to introduce myself as a new member to this forum. I've been buying keris hilts for about 20 years,and was lucky to have experienced a time, when these little dieties were plentiful and easily found. I have acquired my entire collection online, and along the way, have had the privilege of knowing great Keris hilt collectors with a passion for hilts. I owe a debt of gratitude to the late Wolfgang Spielman, who was my friend teacher and mentor, and to Jean Greffoiz, Willie Wilkowitz, Detlef Deuter, Weta Hartanto, and Alan Maisey, all of whom have been kind and generous in sharing their knowledge about Keris, with me. Finally, I have first traveled to Indonesia, as a graduate student and staff member on World Campus Afloat, in 1974, when I visited Jogjakarta and Bali for the first time. A kind guard allowed entrance after hours into Borabadur, and I was able to climb the massive monument and wander among the bells and Buddha's for an hour beholding the magnificent sunset amongst the flying fruit bats, in this amazing prehistoric setting. I also spent an all too short stay on Bali, where I watched many of the traditional dances, including the Kecak dance, and was first introduced to Keris on this magic isle. As a poor graduate student, I collected only memories back then, and it wasn't till many years later when I acquired my first hilt. They remind me of those glorious travels of my youth, that gave me the capacity to appreciate the art and beauty of Keris hilts.
As such I asked to become a member of this body in order to converse with others who have a passion for these beautiful treasures. I look forward to knowing the members of this community.
Regards,
Craig Yamasaki

[mariusgmioc]

Hello Sam and welcome!

I am also relatively new to this community but I love it. As I am a novice collector, I am fascinated by the pool of knowledge this community shares. I hope you'll enjoy it too.

[Sajen]

Hello Craig,

glad you join our little forum!

Best regards,
Detlef

[David]

Well, i don't know whether you prefer to be addressed as Sam or Craig, but welcome either way.
Just out of curiosity do you just collect hilts or do you have blades as well?

[Rick]

Welcome aboard Craig!

[Marcokeris]

Welcome Graig

[Sam U Rye]

Originally Posted by Rick

Welcome aboard Craig!

Thanks Rick,
Glad to be here. I see.that you've been a member for over ten years. How did you become interested in Keris?
What do you collect, hilts or complete Keris?
Regards,
Craig

[Sam U Rye]

Originally Posted by David

Well, i don't know whether you prefer to be addressed as Sam or Craig, but welcome either way.
Just out of curiosity do you just collect hilts or do you have blades as well?

Hi David While I possess around 6 complete Keris, I only collect hilts. When I first started collecting, my daughters were quite young, and they were terrified by the blades. Besides that my little townhouse couldn't accommodate them. How about you? Storage and display are an issue for any collectors. Can you imagine trying to display 2 or 300 Keris? I found that a lighted dedicated display case with Windows on 3 sides, and a mirrored back worked the best for me. (I have three!)

[David]

Originally Posted by Sam U Rye

Hi David While I possess around 6 complete Keris, I only collect hilts. When I first started collecting, my daughters were quite young, and they were terrified by the blades. Besides that my little townhouse couldn't accommodate them. How about you? Storage and display are an issue for any collectors. Can you imagine trying to display 2 or 300 Keris? I found that a lighted dedicated display case with Windows on 3 sides, and a mirrored back worked the best for me. (I have three!)

Hi Craig. Yes, my interest has always been towards collecting the whole package, with my main interest being in the blades themselves. Display and storage is always an issue as my collection must be near 100 keris at this point. I have a dedicated room in the house for them. My wife insists upon it.

[Sam U Rye]

Originally Posted by David

Well, i don't know whether you prefer to be addressed as Sam or Craig, but welcome either way.
Just out of curiosity do you just collect hilts or do you have blades as well?

P.S. Craig would be best, I just used the small attempt at a pun for a nickname, as the website asked for a sign on ID..

[Sam U Rye]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Craig,

glad you join our little forum!

Best regards,
Detlef

Greetings Detlef,
Thanks again for your help and support becoming a member.
Regards,
Craig

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Sam U Rye

Thanks again for your help and support becoming a member.

You are welcome Craig!

[Sam U Rye]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Hello Sam and welcome!

I am also relatively new to this community but I love it. As I am a novice collector, I am fascinated by the pool of knowledge this community shares. I hope you'll enjoy it too.

Hi Marius,
Thanks for your reply
How long have you been collecting,and how and why did you become interested in collecting Keris hilt?
Regards,
Craig