Keris Palembang?

[Jean]

Originally Posted by Green

Jean;

Here are pics of the other hilt. There are some dark brown stains which I'm not sure of what. Some people said that some carvers stain their new white ivory with natural material like tumeric powder to make it look aged and yellow. I'm not sure if mine is so, but looked very old to me based on the extensive cracks to the ivory.

I still don't have the answers to these Qs

1) why are the blades so thin? what style is this kind of thin blades?
2) what style of jawa demam hilt is this, and where are they from. Certainly not peninsula malay style. That i can tell.
3) are these hilts marine ivory or elephant?

Hello Green,
First I agree with David that the second hilt seems to be made from elephant ivory also and that it is old (about 100 years) and in natural condition.
These 2 (javanese?) blades are common quality pieces and thinned with time because of corrosion/ rust and subsequent cleanings, or ritual cleanings. From the pics my personal guess is that the shortest one may date from 18th century and the other 19th century but I could be wrong, and other opinions are welcome.
This style of Jawa demam hilt is mainly found in West and Central Sumatra, but also in Palembang although not specific from this area. The motif on the belly is said to depict not a crown but the fire motif? The selut of the second hilt is in Palembang style.
Regards