Keris holder for comment

Atlantia · 23rd June 2012, 10:56 PM

Gentlemen, although my knowledge of Keris is almost nothing, I was given the opportunity to select several interesting Keris and holders from a large and established old collection.

As I say, my knowledge is next to nil, so I won't be offended if you explain in simple newbie terms

Here is one of the holders, he is 55cm tall:

Sajen · 23rd June 2012, 11:59 PM

Hello mate,

it is from Bali and look very nice, a good one!

Is it from heavy or light wood?

Regards,

Detlef

Atlantia · 24th June 2012, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello mate,

it is from Bali and look very nice, a good one!

Is it from heavy or light wood?

Regards,

Detlef

Hey Buddy

He's 55cm tall and weighs around 2.6kg, quite heavy?

He has an open gripping hand as is usual, but it's quite a small diameter hole. Are these used to hold other weapons apart from Keris?

I've not seen one like him before, do you recognise him or know who he represents?

Best
Gene

tunggulametung · 24th June 2012, 04:49 AM

Hello, I think the character is Bhima, perhaps it is meant to hold just the lower end (like 1/3 or so) of the sheath?

Rick · 24th June 2012, 07:58 AM

Also, he might be of Javanese origin .

The figure seems a bit restrained for Bali .

For reference check out Javanese Wayang masks ...

Why do you think he is Bima ?

A. G. Maisey · 24th June 2012, 09:49 AM

No, not Jawa Rick, they don't do these things, its Bali, but souvenir quality, the wood is quite light, which means it will be soft. I've got a shorter one of the same style that weighs 6kg. It probably dates from the 1980-1990 period.

Don't know who it is. Probably impossible to tell. Balinese carvers, especially when doing souvenir work tend to carve to a category of character rather than to an individual character. This bloke has got certain attributes that the more inquisitive amongst us might care to research, such as the snake around the neck, the unusually dark skin, the hair style, but in my experience this is probably a waste of time, because these attributes are very likely to be mix and match stuff. Carvings like this are done for visitors to take home without being too far into excess baggage debt, they are not done to exacting requirements of religion or wayang.

Atlantia · 24th June 2012, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tunggulametung

Hello, I think the character is Bhima, perhaps it is meant to hold just the lower end (like 1/3 or so) of the sheath?

Hi Tunggulametung,

Bhima? Ah fantastic thank you! Legendary warrior with an equally legendary moustache, he makes a good subject for a Keris stand.)
His grip is quite small, were these ever made to hold weapons other than Keris?

Thanks
Gene

Jean · 24th June 2012, 10:25 AM

Hi Gene,
Attached is the picture of a similar Balinese holder made from hard wood, it is 60 cm tall and weights 4.5 kg. It is said to depict Bima (moustache, fierce look, long thumbnails). It has a large grip opening and is probably older than yours.
I also attach the pictures of 2 smaller holders which are Javanese I think.
Best regards
Jean

23rd June 2012, 10:56 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Keris holder for comment Gentlemen, although my knowledge of Keris is almost nothing, I was given the opportunity to select several interesting Keris and holders from a large and established old collection. As I say, my knowledge is next to nil, so I won't be offended if you explain in simple newbie terms Here is one of the holders, he is 55cm tall: Attached Images

24th June 2012, 10:25 AM	#8
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Hi Gene, Attached is the picture of a similar Balinese holder made from hard wood, it is 60 cm tall and weights 4.5 kg. It is said to depict Bima (moustache, fierce look, long thumbnails). It has a large grip opening and is probably older than yours. I also attach the pictures of 2 smaller holders which are Javanese I think. Best regards Jean Attached Images

23rd June 2012, 11:59 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Hello mate, it is from Bali and look very nice, a good one! Is it from heavy or light wood? Regards, Detlef

24th June 2012, 04:49 AM	#4
tunggulametung Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 238	Hello, I think the character is Bhima, perhaps it is meant to hold just the lower end (like 1/3 or so) of the sheath?

24th June 2012, 07:58 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	Also, he might be of Javanese origin . The figure seems a bit restrained for Bali . For reference check out Javanese Wayang masks ... Why do you think he is Bima ?

24th June 2012, 09:49 AM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,892	No, not Jawa Rick, they don't do these things, its Bali, but souvenir quality, the wood is quite light, which means it will be soft. I've got a shorter one of the same style that weighs 6kg. It probably dates from the 1980-1990 period. Don't know who it is. Probably impossible to tell. Balinese carvers, especially when doing souvenir work tend to carve to a category of character rather than to an individual character. This bloke has got certain attributes that the more inquisitive amongst us might care to research, such as the snake around the neck, the unusually dark skin, the hair style, but in my experience this is probably a waste of time, because these attributes are very likely to be mix and match stuff. Carvings like this are done for visitors to take home without being too far into excess baggage debt, they are not done to exacting requirements of religion or wayang.