Sele from Makassar (Keris Bugis)

kai · 1st September 2005, 10:12 PM

This is a really small dagger which I like a lot! I hope the other keris folks will enjoy it, too...

These are often referred to as boy's or women's keris although the nice kemuning hilt of this example is not undersized. I'd love to hear first-hand stories of their relevance in Bugis culture. BTW, is Dendiyar back from the mountains?

I'm a bit stumped regarding the scabbard which seems very "utilitarian" compared to other Bugis pieces. It's made from very light wood - maybe pine?!? Assuming that one day I may want to upgrade the scabbard (and pendoko) what would be the most appropriate style for this blade? Pics of actual examples (possibly for blades of this small size) would be greatly appreciated!

There are a few rust spots which I'm going to tackle by electrolytic rust removal. The dry wood of the scabbard could use some boiled linseed oil, I guess. Any veto or suggestions what else to fix/exchange while I'm at it? General comments very welcome, too!

This sele also came with a story: The former owner was invited to eat at the home of a chess acquaintance in Ujung Pandang. There he chanced over a small keris collection. Bold as longnoses sometimes are, he asked wether the host might be interested to part from a keris or two but was going to be turned down by him. However, his wife happened to vote for the money - the ultimate nightmare of married collectors (some of us can relate to that)...

[I like the thought that the poor husband had his wits about him and sold off a blade from his wife's lineage!

]

Regards,
Kai

(blade pics: hilt turned for photography...)

1st September 2005, 10:12 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,248	Sele from Makassar (Keris Bugis) This is a really small dagger which I like a lot! I hope the other keris folks will enjoy it, too... These are often referred to as boy's or women's keris although the nice kemuning hilt of this example is not undersized. I'd love to hear first-hand stories of their relevance in Bugis culture. BTW, is Dendiyar back from the mountains? I'm a bit stumped regarding the scabbard which seems very "utilitarian" compared to other Bugis pieces. It's made from very light wood - maybe pine?!? Assuming that one day I may want to upgrade the scabbard (and pendoko) what would be the most appropriate style for this blade? Pics of actual examples (possibly for blades of this small size) would be greatly appreciated! There are a few rust spots which I'm going to tackle by electrolytic rust removal. The dry wood of the scabbard could use some boiled linseed oil, I guess. Any veto or suggestions what else to fix/exchange while I'm at it? General comments very welcome, too! This sele also came with a story: The former owner was invited to eat at the home of a chess acquaintance in Ujung Pandang. There he chanced over a small keris collection. Bold as longnoses sometimes are, he asked wether the host might be interested to part from a keris or two but was going to be turned down by him. However, his wife happened to vote for the money - the ultimate nightmare of married collectors (some of us can relate to that)... [I like the thought that the poor husband had his wits about him and sold off a blade from his wife's lineage! ] Regards, Kai (blade pics: hilt turned for photography...) Attached Images