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Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey
in an old keris, it could be to replace a lost or damaged gonjo, or it could be to replace a gonjo used in the manufacture of a keris intended as the "son" of the original keris; a gonjo without pamor could also have been used to conceal the pamor used in the blade, as a measure of protection for the owner.
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Let me join the sharing, would you mind?
I agree with Alan's opinion. But there was a tradition too in the Mataram era, they use "ganjawulung" or black-colored ganda. So totally different material, and different time frame in the making. And of course, it was in purpose. Keris with ganjawulung -- mainly kerises from the Mataram era and some from majapahit era -- if they were "asli" (original) they should be good kerises. Because, kerises with ganjawulung usually were given by the king at that time. The "asli" ganja, was kept in the king's palace.
Why did the Javanese king or kings in the past they kept the ganjas or gonjos in their palace? Because, they believed that the "yoni" or the spiritual strength of every Javanese keris is in the gonjos. So, everytime the king wanted to give some of good kerises to their family, or even obedient officer in the palace, usually he took off the gonjos, and replace with "ganjawulung". The king desired, that the "yoni" was still staying in the palace, even if the kerises were given away.
But, what Alan just said is correct too. I learn that from my friends -- contemporary empu like Yantono (Alan knows him well of course) - or other keris makers like Yanto, or (one of my favorite Kamdi) and also from Madura like Zulhan (young keris maker, one of the best in Madura).
About gonjos? When the Palace of Solo was burnt, about 10 years ago or so, people found many gonjos in the palace. That proved the "theory" of ganjawulung not false... Solo is my native city, so I know it well, Brekele...