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#1 |
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Hello
Please could you advise me on this keris? 18cm long blade length including ganja. The scabbard reminds me of the Tajong keris type. There is no pamor on this blade. Any age estimate? This is one of the first keris that came my way and I am quite attached to it. Thanks |
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#2 |
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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
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#3 |
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Hello Jean
Yes the scabbard is a perfect fit and appears original to the keris. |
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#4 |
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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 |
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#5 |
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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. |
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#6 |
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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. |
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#7 |
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Hello David,
This scabbard tip is also found on the Malay Peninsula. The crosspiece does seem to have Sumatran vibes though. ![]() Regards, Kai |
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#8 | |
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Hello Sid,
Quote:
Regards, Kai |
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#9 |
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Two somewhat similar blades for reference.
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#10 |
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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? |
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#11 | |
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Regards |
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#12 | |
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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. |
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#13 | |
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Second question for the group. I don't have my reference library within reach currently. Wasn't there an theory of a "woman's keris" originating in Sumatra? Usually in a 3 luk configuration with grening if I remember correctly? Could this dagger be in this family of use? |
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#14 | |
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#15 |
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I do own my fair share of 'villager keris' though I am not sure what this term means and if it is to be contrasted with more sophisticated ' city keris'. But in this case its worth pointing out that the ganja appears to be a different composition than the blade. The scabbard is also very well made of very good timber with a buntet. The hulu too is well carved and of good wood. It seems to me to be fairly decent overall with attention to detail in its manufacture. I am not therefore clear in which area it lacks refinement.
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#16 |
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#17 | ||
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![]() Pretty much all sewar are certainly meant to be weapons, indeed. A blade length of 18cm is certainly enough to be considered as a serious blade and can do enough damage. A short blade affects reach and, thus, fighting style. Obviously, it's not a primary battlefield weapon. Hardly any keris is. Regards, Kai |
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#18 |
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SidJ, I was referring to the blade only, do you see any refinement in its shape, dapur, pamor, carving, or type of metal?
Regards Last edited by Jean; 16th January 2023 at 01:16 PM. |
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#19 | |
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#20 |
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Perak t gets my vote... seems to carry a hint of Thai Coteng influence within too...
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#21 |
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We're still data deficient.
Sid, could you please add pics of all sides of the hilt as well as a top view of the crosspiece (without blade)? Regards, Kai |
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