Sandang walikat sheath from metal

[kai]

Hello Nik,

3: I guess the hilt is from Sulawesi based on the rekko/patah tiga form. Is this kind of carvings recent or old style? is it ivory?

Not possible to verify from these pics; sure looks like an antique ivory hilt to me though. I'd guess this got carved from a spermwhale tooth.

IMHO, the carving is clearly traditional. It is heavily worn though - thus, you need some imagination to compare the carving motifs.

4: the blade is simple but robust looking spokal(sapukala) type. my guess is it is from sulawesi.is this origin reasonable?

Yes, despite its quite small size, this does look like a heavy blade from Sulawesi Selantan.

There is a tiny slit on both sides of the gonjo - please post a close-up of this unusual feature once you receive this keris!


Of course, I'd also like to hear how well the blade fits the scabbard. If this is believed to be a Bugis blade and hilt in a East Jawa context, the ensemble would make sense. Otherwise, a Bugis selut would certainly look more harmonious for the keris...

Anyway, I'd like to see the mendak cleaned, too.

Regards,
Kai