E. Java or Lombok keris blade?

[BluErf]

Bought this keris because I liked the pelet arrangement on the batang and the blade, by themselves. Sheath is not the original, but the patcher had done a superb job such that it is quite hard to see the patch.

I always thought this blade had a E Javanese look to it, and is on the proportionately short side. But it had a polished look akin to Balinese kerises. What are the views of fellow forumnites please?

[sipakatuo]

It looks like Keris lombok to me

[BluErf]

Thank you. May I ask if it is common in Lombok to find such proportionately short keris blades with larger sheath and hilt?

[sipakatuo]

The materials of the blade looks like materials from Java. In my opinion, looking at the garap, ricikan and the dapur it is almost sure to me that it is a lombok Keris. It is quite common to find Keris lombok with similar Java materials. If looking at the history of Lombok as I have read from a book (Keris di Lombok, By Ir. H. Lalu Djelenga) it tells that Majapahit (E.Java) and Bugis Makassar (Sulawesi) plays important role in the develepoment of Keris in Lombok. Likewise in Sumatra, Malaysia and Bugis where they have similarity in the materials (Besi Luwuk) and so the warangka. So my conclusion to your answer is, Yes it is quite common. Perhaps other members can also give comments.

[David]

Originally Posted by BluErf

Thank you. May I ask if it is common in Lombok to find such proportionately short keris blades with larger sheath and hilt?

Hi Kai Wee. I think that the size of the sheath is somewhat determined by the style of dress and how the keris is worn in public. The sheath would have to be large enough to wear up the back with the hilt popping up over the shoulder. I think the sheath size would therefore be fairly consistent regardless of the size of the blade.

[BluErf]

Hmmm... that makes sense too!

[Rick]

If I'm not mistaken .
I have gonjo iras that is in Bali derss too; here's a picture of the sorsoran .