A most unusually dressed Minangkabau Keris

RSWORD · 26th July 2020, 10:34 PM

This one has very unusual silver dress to the hilt. The way it is applied it almost reminds me of royal garb or something like that. Makes me wonder what the purpose of decking this handle out in this manner. Also unusual is the silver gangya. Looking forward to thoughts and comments on this piece.

RSWORD · 26th July 2020, 10:37 PM

Some additional pictures of this interesting piece.

A. G. Maisey · 26th July 2020, 11:38 PM

I think we would need to speak with the person who initiated this ornamentation before we could have any understanding of why it was done.

My guess is that the ornamentation was commissioned by somebody who really did wish to be noticed.

Jean · 27th July 2020, 10:46 AM

IMO this kris originates from Central Sumatra (Riau) rather from Minang (type of scabbard, bahari blade). The ganja was replaced, is it really made from silver?

RSWORD · 27th July 2020, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

IMO this kris originates from Central Sumatra (Riau) rather from Minang (type of scabbard, bahari blade). The ganja was replaced, is it really made from silver?

Hi Jean,

Thank you for the feedback. Yes, the ganja is silver or a silver alloy. It is not steel.

Sajen · 29th July 2020, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

IMO this kris originates from Central Sumatra (Riau) rather from Minang (type of scabbard, bahari blade).

Agree with Jean, I also would go with the Riau origin. Very interesting keris.

Regards,
Detlef

Mickey the Finn · 10th August 2020, 12:05 AM

The hulu bling looks very "Michael Jacksony" to me; mirrored sunglasses, pseudo-royal accoutrements. I'd bet my bottom dollar (even if the odds are around 2-5) on its having been gussied up the way it is now at some time after the "Thriller" album came out, but certainly not before. The hulu really distracted me from the wilah, and that interesting silver ganja.
I'd really like to know: is that proper? I don't know if I'd be more clear asking, "Is that cricket"? I've seen kujang with pamor of Cu and Ni, but I'd never expect to see a keris with such pamor; it would be too "out there", too avant garde, and..."It's just not done". How about a brass or copper ganja? Would such a thing be within the limits of what's acceptable?

RSWORD · 27th July 2020, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

I think we would need to speak with the person who initiated this ornamentation before we could have any understanding of why it was done.

My guess is that the ornamentation was commissioned by somebody who really did wish to be noticed.

Yes, this is very true and we can only guess at the intent. The way it was applied made me think it was somewhat reminiscent of fancy dress. You have a sash across the chest, a head piece, eye coverings, etc. Not sure what the piece on the back would represent.

David · 28th July 2020, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSWORD

You have a sash across the chest, a head piece, eye coverings, etc. Not sure what the piece on the back would represent.

Well this one is a keris!

And yes, unusual dress for sure, at least the hilt.
My general feeling is that this keris and hilt got a bit of a re-design somewhere along the way. I don't think this ivory hilt was originally intended to have all this bling. The pieces used seem to be adapted from other things like pieces of jewelry. It's possible someone inherited this keris in bad condition without a gonjo and wanted to honour it in a big way. So silver replacement gonjo and bling added to the hilt. I don't think that piece of silver is meant to be seen as a sash btw. This is a form of Jawa Demam hilt, the "feverish Javanese", and the bit of silver is covering the stylized arm that is across the belly of the figure giving the impression of a person doubled over holding their stomach.
Frankly i would have preferred this hilt without all the glitz. Or at least with less of it. But then, it wasn't made for me.

Rick · 28th July 2020, 04:31 AM

Not my culture, but I agree from a Westerner's point of view.
'Less is more.'
To quote the noted architect Mies Vanderoh.

26th July 2020, 10:34 PM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,083	A most unusually dressed Minangkabau Keris This one has very unusual silver dress to the hilt. The way it is applied it almost reminds me of royal garb or something like that. Makes me wonder what the purpose of decking this handle out in this manner. Also unusual is the silver gangya. Looking forward to thoughts and comments on this piece. Attached Images

26th July 2020, 10:37 PM	#2
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,083	Some additional pictures of this interesting piece. Attached Images

26th July 2020, 11:38 PM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,892	I think we would need to speak with the person who initiated this ornamentation before we could have any understanding of why it was done. My guess is that the ornamentation was commissioned by somebody who really did wish to be noticed.

27th July 2020, 10:46 AM	#4
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	IMO this kris originates from Central Sumatra (Riau) rather from Minang (type of scabbard, bahari blade). The ganja was replaced, is it really made from silver?

10th August 2020, 12:05 AM	#7
Mickey the Finn Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 90	The hulu bling looks very "Michael Jacksony" to me; mirrored sunglasses, pseudo-royal accoutrements. I'd bet my bottom dollar (even if the odds are around 2-5) on its having been gussied up the way it is now at some time after the "Thriller" album came out, but certainly not before. The hulu really distracted me from the wilah, and that interesting silver ganja. I'd really like to know: is that proper? I don't know if I'd be more clear asking, "Is that cricket"? I've seen kujang with pamor of Cu and Ni, but I'd never expect to see a keris with such pamor; it would be too "out there", too avant garde, and..."It's just not done". How about a brass or copper ganja? Would such a thing be within the limits of what's acceptable?

28th July 2020, 04:31 AM	#10
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	Not my culture, but I agree from a Westerner's point of view. 'Less is more.' To quote the noted architect Mies Vanderoh.