Sumatra keris with ivory parts

Paul B. · 31st January 2022, 06:13 PM

Got a nice Sumatra keris recently and the handle shows details which I have never come across. There are 2 perfect round holes, one artifically made underneath for matching the pesi. From the lower part of the back there is a an ivory cover (same age). This opening is the nerve running in line with the full length of the handle.
Any clues about the type of ivory? The honey colour is original?

David · 31st January 2022, 06:47 PM

Detailed photos of other areas of the hilt would help identify the type of ivory. I thins point i am inclined to say marine ivory, possibly a whale's tooth.

Paul B. · 1st February 2022, 02:08 PM

More pics will tell you. It has light shades. Marine ivory was my first guess also but what kind of is it?
Wonder why there is a straight (repaired) line in the front and back. Seems more like a lack of material than a broken part. A closer look also tells me that the structure does not continue in the patched parts.

David · 1st February 2022, 04:15 PM

Well, you have grain, but it does not look like the Schreger pattern we find in elephant ivory, so i am still inclined towards marine ivory. It does not display characteristics of hippo and i'm not sure you will find pieces this large to work fro dugong. So i would assume probably whale tooth.

Paul B. · 1st February 2022, 05:02 PM

Agree, it isn't elephant and belief it is some kind of marine ivory. Could sperm whale be an option?
The handle is heavy and big (length about 11 cm).

Sajen · 1st February 2022, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul B.

Could sperm whale be an option?
The handle is heavy and big (length about 11 cm).

Yes Paul, I think that it's sperm whale. The wrongko seems to be from elephant ivory and I agree that the put on pieces are made by lack of material.

Regards,
Detlef

PS: very nice Minangkabau keris. Can we see the blade?

31st January 2022, 06:13 PM	#1
Paul B. Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 205	Sumatra keris with ivory parts Got a nice Sumatra keris recently and the handle shows details which I have never come across. There are 2 perfect round holes, one artifically made underneath for matching the pesi. From the lower part of the back there is a an ivory cover (same age). This opening is the nerve running in line with the full length of the handle. Any clues about the type of ivory? The honey colour is original? Attached Images

1st February 2022, 02:08 PM	#3
Paul B. Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 205	More pics will tell you. It has light shades. Marine ivory was my first guess also but what kind of is it? Wonder why there is a straight (repaired) line in the front and back. Seems more like a lack of material than a broken part. A closer look also tells me that the structure does not continue in the patched parts. Attached Images

31st January 2022, 06:47 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,123	Detailed photos of other areas of the hilt would help identify the type of ivory. I thins point i am inclined to say marine ivory, possibly a whale's tooth.

1st February 2022, 04:15 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,123	Well, you have grain, but it does not look like the Schreger pattern we find in elephant ivory, so i am still inclined towards marine ivory. It does not display characteristics of hippo and i'm not sure you will find pieces this large to work fro dugong. So i would assume probably whale tooth.

1st February 2022, 05:02 PM	#5
Paul B. Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 205	Agree, it isn't elephant and belief it is some kind of marine ivory. Could sperm whale be an option? The handle is heavy and big (length about 11 cm).