Keris from colonial collections - hilt rings missing

kai · 19th June 2005, 02:32 AM

Hello Forumites,

I noticed that quite a few Keris from old European collections (museums as well as private collections) are missing their Pendongkok or Mendak+Selut - even if they seem to come with a hilt of corresponding age. I reckon that wooden parts may get damaged/destroyed during shipping of "obtained" Keris to Europe. However, the metal of most hilt rings should hold up better than even the blade.

Is there any explanation for this apparent paradox? Thanks for any shared insights!

Regards,
Kai

19th June 2005, 02:32 AM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Keris from colonial collections - hilt rings missing Hello Forumites, I noticed that quite a few Keris from old European collections (museums as well as private collections) are missing their Pendongkok or Mendak+Selut - even if they seem to come with a hilt of corresponding age. I reckon that wooden parts may get damaged/destroyed during shipping of "obtained" Keris to Europe. However, the metal of most hilt rings should hold up better than even the blade. Is there any explanation for this apparent paradox? Thanks for any shared insights! Regards, Kai