Is it a keris handle and when yes from where?

Sajen · 20th June 2023, 08:04 PM

This (sea?)ivory handle is from the collection of a well known collector in Germany. It's IMHO a very nice and unusual handle but is it indeed a keris handle? A comparable handle is shown in Bob Hales book, page 138, pic. 328.
He writes that this is a keris handle from Sumbawa, Bima and that only two handles of this type are known!

Anyway, would you agree with the origin? Approx.: 7 cm high.

Sajen · 20th June 2023, 08:14 PM

Here the hilt from Hales!

Gustav · 20th June 2023, 09:58 PM

Detlef,

I think I know the other hilt Hales mentions. Interestingly, the Pendokok on his example annd the Selut on yours isn't much like something from Sumbawa.

Sajen · 20th June 2023, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gustav

Interestingly, the Pendokok on his example annd the Selut on yours isn't much like something from Sumbawa.

Thank you Gustav,

I have the same thoughts regarding the pendokok and selut. But both don't look original to the hilts IMHO. Can you share where the other example belongs to?

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 20th June 2023, 10:58 PM

BTW, the hilt in question looks like hippo ivory to my eyes.

A. G. Maisey · 21st June 2023, 12:04 AM

I do not really understand what is meant by "--- of this type---".

Over the years I have seen & owned keris hilts of this type, but not of the same execution nor material, as the ones shown here.

I am not able to offer a supportable opinion on geographic location of origin.

Is it a keris hilt?

I think probably yes, reason being that I have seen others like it, but as I have said, not the same execution.

It is probably not possible to give a solid opinion on whether or not this hilt was intended as a keris hilt unless one could actually have it in hand and form an opinion on whether or not it works as a keris hilt. It might be a hilt intended for, or adapted for use as, something else.

Are there any patterns of wear visible?

20th June 2023, 08:04 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Is it a keris handle and when yes from where? This (sea?)ivory handle is from the collection of a well known collector in Germany. It's IMHO a very nice and unusual handle but is it indeed a keris handle? A comparable handle is shown in Bob Hales book, page 138, pic. 328. He writes that this is a keris handle from Sumbawa, Bima and that only two handles of this type are known! Anyway, would you agree with the origin? Approx.: 7 cm high. Attached Images

20th June 2023, 08:14 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Here the hilt from Hales! Attached Images

20th June 2023, 09:58 PM	#3
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,246	Detlef, I think I know the other hilt Hales mentions. Interestingly, the Pendokok on his example annd the Selut on yours isn't much like something from Sumbawa.

20th June 2023, 10:58 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	BTW, the hilt in question looks like hippo ivory to my eyes.

21st June 2023, 12:04 AM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,877	I do not really understand what is meant by "--- of this type---". Over the years I have seen & owned keris hilts of this type, but not of the same execution nor material, as the ones shown here. I am not able to offer a supportable opinion on geographic location of origin. Is it a keris hilt? I think probably yes, reason being that I have seen others like it, but as I have said, not the same execution. It is probably not possible to give a solid opinion on whether or not this hilt was intended as a keris hilt unless one could actually have it in hand and form an opinion on whether or not it works as a keris hilt. It might be a hilt intended for, or adapted for use as, something else. Are there any patterns of wear visible?