Help with origin and age of my Keris

Matt · 11th October 2011, 12:19 AM

No, no scabbard.

Is replacing missing scabbards a common practice? I'm not sure if I would want to add one as it wouldn't be original to the piece.

kai · 11th October 2011, 10:00 AM

Hello Matt,

Quote:

Is replacing missing scabbards a common practice? I'm not sure if I would want to add one as it wouldn't be original to the piece.

Replacing missing/damaged scabbards is a very common practice since in the keris culture a keris without scabbard is akin to a nekkid person - thus, hilts and scabbards would get replaced several/many times during the working life of a blade. Also upgrades (or downgrades) are common since changes in status of a person would be expected to be reflected in the fittings.

Of course, this does not necessarily apply to a collector from the western culture. For example, if you prefer to display your keris with blade visible (wall, cupboard, etc.), there's not much point in commisioning a new scabbard. However, I believe that at least adding a pendokok (metal spacer between hilt and blade) would make it look much better (complete). Since this is most likely not a battlefield pick-up nor a royal gift nor some other piece which has a special historic value due to it being documented/preserved in an intact "as found" condition, adding something missing is ok IMHO.

Regards,
Kai

A. G. Maisey · 11th October 2011, 01:20 PM

Matt, Kai is 100% correct.

Within keris culture, "original" dress means absolutely nothing.

It is the blade, and only the blade that contains the spirit of the keris, the dress is only to protect the blade.

Collectors in the west, who are not a part of keris culture, very often have a preference for older dress, and dress that has been made specifically for the blade concerned, however, this is more related to the culture of antique collecting, rather than being culturally correct for the keris.This western preference now seems to have penetrated some levels of collecting in countries which 100 years ago were definitely culturally orientated towards the keris, however, where keris culture has continued without hiatus, the same standards apply as in times past.

Keris dress is changed frequently throughout the life of a blade. It is often changed when a keris changes its custodian, or when the custodian changes rank, or his position in life, or his fortunes. It may even be changed on the basis of a dream.

Keris are not really like other edged weapons, they are cultural icons, and are subject to a different frame of reference to that which applies to other edged weapons.

The keris that has come into your hands is a very acceptable example of its type, and if it is possible for you, you really should consider trying to provide it with a scabbard.

Matt · 11th October 2011, 04:29 PM

Thanks all for the replies.

I certainly have a lot of information to work with!

I will look into getting a replacement pendokok and possibly a new scabbard down the road.

Here are some pictures of the blade flat on the table with no shadow. I forgot to mention that the overall length of the blade is just under 11" (just over 27.5 cm).

11th October 2011, 04:29 PM	#4
Matt Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 5	Thanks all for the replies. I certainly have a lot of information to work with! I will look into getting a replacement pendokok and possibly a new scabbard down the road. Here are some pictures of the blade flat on the table with no shadow. I forgot to mention that the overall length of the blade is just under 11" (just over 27.5 cm). Attached Images

11th October 2011, 12:19 AM	#1
Matt Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 5	No, no scabbard. Is replacing missing scabbards a common practice? I'm not sure if I would want to add one as it wouldn't be original to the piece.

11th October 2011, 01:20 PM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,991	Matt, Kai is 100% correct. Within keris culture, "original" dress means absolutely nothing. It is the blade, and only the blade that contains the spirit of the keris, the dress is only to protect the blade. Collectors in the west, who are not a part of keris culture, very often have a preference for older dress, and dress that has been made specifically for the blade concerned, however, this is more related to the culture of antique collecting, rather than being culturally correct for the keris.This western preference now seems to have penetrated some levels of collecting in countries which 100 years ago were definitely culturally orientated towards the keris, however, where keris culture has continued without hiatus, the same standards apply as in times past. Keris dress is changed frequently throughout the life of a blade. It is often changed when a keris changes its custodian, or when the custodian changes rank, or his position in life, or his fortunes. It may even be changed on the basis of a dream. Keris are not really like other edged weapons, they are cultural icons, and are subject to a different frame of reference to that which applies to other edged weapons. The keris that has come into your hands is a very acceptable example of its type, and if it is possible for you, you really should consider trying to provide it with a scabbard.