Nias Keris (?)

[David]

My vote would be probably not, but it is hard to say not being able to see the blade.

[tunggulametung]

here is link to photo gallery own by fellow forum member that showing the blade:
http://picasaweb.google.nl/mbloebaum/046NiasKeris#

I think an interpretation to keris, but more a badik blade with keris style sheath. Hard to decide, but maybe not

[drdavid]

This does not have the essential features of even a keris like object. The sheath is unusual but still similar to those found on most keris but the blade simply isn't. To me this looks like one of those historical attributions where someone was trying to say there were keris from all the regions around Jawa and here is one from Nias.
david

[David]

Agreed. I would not call it a keris.

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by David

Agreed. I would not call it a keris.

Perhaps, Bambang Harsrinuksmo when added it into Ensiklopedi Keris, might not have seen one. Instead, based on external information made the inclusion. There is no photo or sketch of the Nias blade presented in the book.

Ensiklopedi Keris is a good resource on Javanese keris, but does fall short on regional information from the Malay Archipelago, although there are limited attempts to include it.

[BluErf]

Would be useful to know what native Nias people call it.

[ThePepperSkull]

It may not be a Keris, but it in a very beautiful shape. I wonder what the Nias call it, and what significance it holds to the culture.

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by drdavid

This does not have the essential features of even a keris like object. The sheath is unusual but still similar to those found on most keris but the blade simply isn't. To me this looks like one of those historical attributions where someone was trying to say there were keris from all the regions around Jawa and here is one from Nias.
david

Yes, I have the same opinion, too..

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by tunggulametung

here is link to photo gallery own by fellow forum member that showing the blade:
http://picasaweb.google.nl/mbloebaum/046NiasKeris#

I think an interpretation to keris, but more a badik blade with keris style sheath. Hard to decide, but maybe not

Thanks for the link..
A friend in Singapore, does have one of these Nias dagger. Looking at it, my opinion was, it cannot be called a keris, because in lacks the basic features of a keris, it simply does not qualify.