What is Wesi Malelo?

[A. G. Maisey]

Wesi (or besi) malela (or malelo) simply means black iron. It is a traditional way of describing it.Harsinuksmo lists several different types of wesi malela, but his descriptions I find a little confusing. He mentions that he took these descriptions from old texts and notes that these texts are difficult to understand.

I do not understand what you mean by "sparkling".

Do you mean the seemingly amorphous , crystaline effect that appears to have little pale spots inside the iron, or do you mean something else?

Is the texture of this iron open and porous, or is it padat, ie, tight grained and compacted with a smooth surface?

[Greybeard]

Hello Alan

Thank you for your response.

I admit that "sparkling" is not the right word for what I want to say (my native language is German), but your description hits the spot!

The texture of the iron appears porous/open rather than compact/smooth. The color is greyish. I do know that photos would be helpful here; unfortunately I still cannot post pictures ...

Is Wesi Malelo a feature of old or very old keris, or can it be found on recent and new blades, too?

Regards, Heinz

[Rick]

Malela can be found in newer keris also Heinz .