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#1 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Europe
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This picture shows a stone sculpture from the Rama Temple, Kumbakonam (South India). The sculpture is from about 1610, and it is clear to see that the figure in the middle is armed with a sword and a kris. (Robert Elgood, Hindu Arms and Ritual. Page 122, fig. 11.18).
Does anyone know of other kris' used in India? |
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#2 |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
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Very interesting. It sure does appear to be a keris from this viewpoint. I wish we had a close-up view.
I am unaware of the keris taking hold as a weapon anywhere outside of the Malay/Indonesia area, but certainly there must have been some trade. It does appear that the wearer of this keris has the wrong hilt orientation though. ![]() |
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#3 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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Is this the only currently known representation from India? Any other blades with similar hilts/scabbards? (I'm not sure this really is a keris but it's definitely the closest that I've seen so far!) So, who is the person (or figure from the Hindu iconography?) wearing this blade? Doesn't seem to be one of Mara's minions for a change! ![]() Regards, Kai |
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#4 |
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Singapore
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Hi Jens,
Interesting... The hilt and hilt cup does have resemblance to the keris, but alas, it is sheathed. Looking at the sheath profile, it looks as if the blade is single-edged. Could it be a form of an Indian Pesh Kabz dagger instead? ![]() |
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#5 | |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,097
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![]() I think we need a field trip to this place for better photos. ![]() |
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#6 |
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Join Date: May 2006
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From what I can see in this image, I would not be prepared to call this weapon at the waist of the figure a keris.
However, if it were, it would not surprise me, as blades from Jawa, at least, were exported into Southern India during and prior to the period associated with this staue. |
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#7 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Singapore
Posts: 1,180
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Could be a curved pesh kabz, chillanum or some other similar curved dagger with an animal-headed hilt, like those on mughal daggers?
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