Keris for identification

Jean · 10th January 2023, 08:29 AM

Interesting and unusual small keris, my best guess about its origin is Jambi or South Sumatra (Bengkulu), and my age estimate about 100 years old. Is the blade fitting neatly into the scabbard? Other opinions are welcome

SidJ · 10th January 2023, 10:40 AM

Hello Jean
Yes the scabbard is a perfect fit and appears original to the keris.

kai · 10th January 2023, 04:40 PM

Hello Sid,

These small and simple blades do pop up once in a while. Often they are from modern monosteel while a few sport laminated blades; the gonjo of yours is definitely laminated.

I'd like to see more close-ups: A top view of the scabbard and all sides of the hilt might help.

Regards,
Kai

SidJ · 10th January 2023, 07:50 PM

Hi Kai
I think the blade is laminated and not mono steel. I will try and take more pics but as I say the scabbard is a perfect fit in all respects.

David · 11th January 2023, 05:38 PM

The scabbard definitely seems to be from Sumatra as that inserted toe of horn is a common feature. Lovely wood on the stem which i assume displays chatoyancy.
I see no reason to assume the blade is modern monosteel. It seems to have some legitimate age as well.
While it's difficult to place the origins of blades like this, that are obviously made far outside the standards of any court, it seems somewhat safe to place it in the same area as sheath if indeed it appears the sheath was constructed specifically for it. So South Sumatra is at least a good starting point.

kai · 12th January 2023, 02:04 AM

Hello David,

This scabbard tip is also found on the Malay Peninsula. The crosspiece does seem to have Sumatran vibes though.

Regards,
Kai

David · 13th January 2023, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

This scabbard tip is also found on the Malay Peninsula. The crosspiece does seem to have Sumatran vibes though.

I think it is much more common on Sumatran keris (not that it never shows up on a Peninsula sheath.
But i am glad that we both agree this is far more likely a Sumatran keris.
I do think that you will have a hard time pinpointing the exact location of origin with a village made keris like this. Even the sheath crosspiece is not exactly an established recognized form, but village work as well. Could be from any number of places.
I.P., this blade is only 18cm long (about 7 inches). Not very likely it was intended as a serious weapon. More likely served a similar function to either a keris selit or patrem.

kai · 12th January 2023, 02:05 AM

Hello Sid,

Quote:

I will try and take more pics but as I say the scabbard is a perfect fit in all respects.

I trust you on the fit. However, I'm looking for some design features to possibly narrow down the likely origin.

Regards,
Kai

Jean · 12th January 2023, 09:26 AM

Two somewhat similar blades for reference.

Interested Party · 12th January 2023, 05:05 PM

Jean, am I right to think the profile of your blades are Bugis influenced, if not their cross section? The cross section being roughly a diamond (please excuse the unintentional pun) like the original post's keris.

Am I alone in thinking that Sid's original keris in this post looks much more weapon-like than many keris?

kai · 15th January 2023, 10:13 PM

Hello Sid,

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

I'd like to see more close-ups: A top view of the scabbard and all sides of the hilt might help.

Could you provide the pics, please? It's really tough to discuss missing evidence...

Regards,
Kai

12th January 2023, 09:26 AM	#9
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Two somewhat similar blades for reference. Attached Images

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10th January 2023, 08:29 AM	#1
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Interesting and unusual small keris, my best guess about its origin is Jambi or South Sumatra (Bengkulu), and my age estimate about 100 years old. Is the blade fitting neatly into the scabbard? Other opinions are welcome

10th January 2023, 10:40 AM	#2
SidJ Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 207	Hello Jean Yes the scabbard is a perfect fit and appears original to the keris.

10th January 2023, 04:40 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Sid, These small and simple blades do pop up once in a while. Often they are from modern monosteel while a few sport laminated blades; the gonjo of yours is definitely laminated. I'd like to see more close-ups: A top view of the scabbard and all sides of the hilt might help. Regards, Kai

10th January 2023, 07:50 PM	#4
SidJ Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 207	Hi Kai I think the blade is laminated and not mono steel. I will try and take more pics but as I say the scabbard is a perfect fit in all respects.

11th January 2023, 05:38 PM	#5
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	The scabbard definitely seems to be from Sumatra as that inserted toe of horn is a common feature. Lovely wood on the stem which i assume displays chatoyancy. I see no reason to assume the blade is modern monosteel. It seems to have some legitimate age as well. While it's difficult to place the origins of blades like this, that are obviously made far outside the standards of any court, it seems somewhat safe to place it in the same area as sheath if indeed it appears the sheath was constructed specifically for it. So South Sumatra is at least a good starting point.

12th January 2023, 02:04 AM	#6
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello David, This scabbard tip is also found on the Malay Peninsula. The crosspiece does seem to have Sumatran vibes though. Regards, Kai

12th January 2023, 05:05 PM	#10
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 491	Jean, am I right to think the profile of your blades are Bugis influenced, if not their cross section? The cross section being roughly a diamond (please excuse the unintentional pun) like the original post's keris. Am I alone in thinking that Sid's original keris in this post looks much more weapon-like than many keris?