Maximum size of kris?

[nechesh]

Originally Posted by Pangeran Datu

In the other extreme, kerises/krises can be quite MASSIVE! I have a keris which is approximately 1 metre in length and a kris which is about 1.3 metres.
Should you become interested interested in the Kujang.... that is a slightly different area. The Kujang didn't really develop until 1357..... their aficianados are a small bunch.. but very dedicated.

OK mate, i've don't quite know where i left that conversion chart , bur 1.3 metres! Are you talking about the entire sword or just the blade. Even so, that IS massive. I mean, that's well over 50 inches long then, isn't it? I can't imagine wielding that one. Any pictures?

I am also curious where you came up with the date of 1357 for the Kujang. Not to doubt you, It's not an impossible date, but it seems somewhat arbitrary to me. Could you cite your sources there.

[Mick]

nechesh

Surely you have hard of the "Processional Kerises" of Java that were used like the "City Swords" in Europe. They were also carried in a place of honor on the Sultan's boat while he was on board.

These are in the neighborhood of 5 feet in total length. I don't have any pictures on hand to stick in here so you'll just have to take my word that I have seen a few. I know that one was in the Museum in Jakarta in the mid 70's.

[nechesh]

Actually does sound familiar now that you mention it Mick. I was originally under the impression that Pangeran was talking about a Moro kris, but now that i go back and take a look i do see that he states the 1.3 metre blade is a keris, so if he is using our "forum code" i guess he is talking about and Indo piece. Understand i wasn't doubting him. I just want to see it.

[Pangeran Datu]

Originally Posted by nechesh

Actually does sound familiar now that you mention it Mick. I was originally under the impression that Pangeran was talking about a Moro kris, but now that i go back and take a look i do see that he states the 1.3 metre blade is a keris, so if he is using our "forum code" i guess he is talking about and Indo piece. Understand i wasn't doubting him. I just want to see it.

Actually, I did mean a Moro kris. See my reply to your previous queries.

[Pangeran Datu]

Originally Posted by nechesh

OK mate, i've don't quite know where i left that conversion chart , bur 1.3 metres! Are you talking about the entire sword or just the blade. Even so, that IS massive. I mean, that's well over 50 inches long then, isn't it? I can't imagine wielding that one. Any pictures?

I am also curious where you came up with the date of 1357 for the Kujang. Not to doubt you, It's not an impossible date, but it seems somewhat arbitrary to me. Could you cite your sources there.

The 1.3 metre kris is part of my collection which is in a different state, so it's not handy to measure. From my recollection: It is Maranao. As the Maranao came into prominence much later than say, the Tao Gimba or Tao Higad, I would say it was a recent piece. I see that you are an Imperialist (joke), so for your benefit: the scabbard is about 50", the blade is about 'normal' 28" and the hilt about 1'.... from tip-to-tip in the scabbard... approximately 53".
Unfortunately, I have developed an aversion to that part of technology which involves taking pictures... hence I don't even own a camera.

As regards the Kujang: 1357 was when the 'Bubat Massacre' occurred and is very significant to the Sunda people, just as the 'Bud Daha Massacre' is to the Taosug. So, it's not arbitrary in any sense of the word. Quite the contrary, from this point on there existed a deep-seated hatred of the 'wong wetan' (Javanese). Even today, it still exists... if only as an under-current. Unfortunately, I can't cite my sources ( says he, tapping his nose with a wink ) but you may find references in 'Babad Sunda', 'Babad Bubat' and 'Pantun Bogor'.

Cheers.