Information wanted

[Pendita65]

Hi,

i post some pictures from a Keris Hulu that i bought through the internet, It is not yet arrived at my place but i would like to share some images the seller provided. I am not sure if it is bone ivory or antler, but the shape of the hulu is something i haven't seen before. So i hope someone can shine some light on it and enbroaden my knowledge, Thanks for now.

Regards, Martin

[David]

Hi Martin. I would say it is most probably bone, though i wouldn't could out antler without examining it first hand. Definitely not ivory though.
Regarding the style, for me this is a one-off folk art piece so you are not likely to put a name to this form. I'd say it is contemporary. Not new, but probably no earlier than the latter part of the 20th century.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by Pendita65

Hi,

i post some pictures from a Keris Hulu that i bought through the internet, It is not yet arrived at my place but i would like to share some images the seller provided. I am not sure if it is bone ivory or antler, but the shape of the hulu is something i haven't seen before. So i hope someone can shine some light on it and enbroaden my knowledge, Thanks for now.

Regards, Martin

Does it has pores? It will be good if you can capture some clear photo of the inside of the hulu.

[Sajen]

Hi Martin,

I guess that your handle is made from bone. It don't follow any known pattern but I think it's from Madura/East Java.

Best regards,
Detlef

[Pendita65]

thnx Detlef, David and Anthony,

and i will see how it really is when it has arrived.


Best wishes, Matin

[Pendita65]

Hi All,

two days ago the keris arrived with the unknown style hulu/ukiran Detlef thought it might come from Madura and probably bone. When i got the Keris in my hands and took it out of the sheath the Keris itself was in a rusty shape and the hulu was stuck on, impossible to move or turn, so i heated with a fohn the blade and with utmost care i was able to turn it of without damage. I then soaked the hulu in warm water and used hard toothbrush to clean it, and some of my dental tools to give it a good clean. I reglued some cracks with superglue and let it dry overnight. I used my electric toothbrush and toothpaste and gave it a good clean. And to my surprise under my magnifier i could see schreger lines so it is ivory and not bone. This makes me happy as I find the carving nicely done of the hulu.

Will post some pictures tomorrow and will see if i can take a good photo where i can show the schreger lines.

I also attach an nice article about the identifying of ivories and other natural materials.

Have a nice evening and regards,

Martin

[Rick]

To me this form looks like an interpretation of the Kocet Kocetan keris handle style.
I know it's a stretch, still that's what popped into my head upon first view.

[David]

Originally Posted by Pendita65

Hi All,

two days ago the keris arrived with the unknown style hulu/ukiran Detlef thought it might come from Madura and probably bone. When i got the Keris in my hands and took it out of the sheath the Keris itself was in a rusty shape and the hulu was stuck on, impossible to move or turn, so i heated with a fohn the blade and with utmost care i was able to turn it of without damage. I then soaked the hulu in warm water and used hard toothbrush to clean it, and some of my dental tools to give it a good clean. I reglued some cracks with superglue and let it dry overnight. I used my electric toothbrush and toothpaste and gave it a good clean. And to my surprise under my magnifier i could see schreger lines so it is ivory and not bone. This makes me happy as I find the carving nicely done of the hulu.

Will post some pictures tomorrow and will see if i can take a good photo where i can show the schreger lines.

I also attach an nice article about the identifying of ivories and other natural materials.

Have a nice evening and regards,

Martin

If it turns out to be ivory that's great. Looking forward to seeing your photos.