Review on Bali keris Pedang

[A. G. Maisey]

Actually Sid, it is Buntel Mayat, the "Buntel Mayit" name is a corruption.

In Javanese the word "buntel" is a wrapping, & "mayit" is a corpse. "Buntel Mayit" = "corpse wrapping" which sounds pretty hairy & scary, especially so for people who do not understand.

On the other hand, the word "mayat" means "to slope upwards", & "Buntel Mayat" = "wrapped in an upwards direction". In the understanding of those people who were the acknowledged elites of keris understanding & belief in Solo during the 1970's & 1980's this was a very positive pamor that enhanced the advancement of the bearer.

The "mayit" thing is just another persistent misunderstanding. Not at all unusual where the keris is concerned. But this is for Javanese keris.

In Bali this pamor is "Tambang(an) Badung". The word "tambang" means "rope", "Badung" is a regency in South Bali that covers most of the well known tourist areas --- Kuta, Legian, etc. So"Tambang Badung" = "Badung Rope".

[David]

Alan, i wonder what you thoughts are on the information Anthony received that this is a keris dhapur meant only for royalty. I guess i have a natural skepticism about such proclamations. And the choice of hilt seems unlikely for royalty.
Anthony, surely there were some other photos of this keris from the auction house. Are you able to post any. It looks like a nice keris. Congrats on achieving a long time desire.

[A. G. Maisey]

The "royalty" thing sounds like its in Grain o' Salt Country to me.

But there are lots of things I don't know, maybe I'm wrong.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

The "royalty" thing sounds like its in Grain o' Salt Country to me.

But there are lots of things I don't know, maybe I'm wrong.

Agreed Alan. And I thought this type is used for combat fighting back in old days.

[A. G. Maisey]

Perhaps Anthony, perhaps. At least the Balinese people did use keris in general as actual primary blood-letting instruments, not only as reserve weapons or talismanic weapons.

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Perhaps Anthony, perhaps. At least the Balinese people did use keris in general as actual primary blood-letting instruments, not only as reserve weapons or talismanic weapons.

And I think royalty , such word might NOT be correct, maybe nobility suits better. I try to figure out if an ordinary Balinese warrior can have such unique keris forged or it is reserved for nobility who has the fund and privilege to own a special 'dapur' keris.

[A. G. Maisey]

If we are trying to find a reasonably defensible class of person who might have owned this keris initially, I think that first we need to think in terms of time, ie, when was the blade made?

Then we can think in terms of wealth, ie, who was sufficiently wealthy to commission such a blade?


So question #1> how old is it?

[Anthony G.]

Originally Posted by David

Alan, i wonder what you thoughts are on the information Anthony received that this is a keris dhapur meant only for royalty. I guess i have a natural skepticism about such proclamations. And the choice of hilt seems unlikely for royalty.
Anthony, surely there were some other photos of this keris from the auction house. Are you able to post any. It looks like a nice keris. Congrats on achieving a long time desire.

Thanks David. But this keris has limited photo.