Kris Sumatra or Malay?

Jean · 14th May 2013, 06:33 PM

Thank you Detlef!
I recently bought this kris on Ebay from a respected forum member and I also wonder about its origin. It is different from the 2 pieces shown above and the kris from Detlef but it may originate from the same area in Central Sumatra (inland Riau or Jambi). Any opinion? I received it with the Bugis pistol grip but replaced it with a large Jawa Deman one, may be a mistake? Sorry for the pictures quality, the blade is not with me at present.
Best regards
Jean

Sajen · 14th May 2013, 07:43 PM

Hello Jean,

beautiful keris, have watched this one as well. I like the blade with it's fine pamor. I think that it is very good possible that this was the original hilt since it hasn't the typical Bugis kerdas form, just my humble opinion.

Best,

Detlef

DAHenkel · 15th May 2013, 12:31 AM

Definitely a mistake to replace the hilt Jean - I hope you have kept the original. Jambi I'd say and a very nice example. Congrats!

Jean · 15th May 2013, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAHenkel

Definitely a mistake to replace the hilt Jean - I hope you have kept the original. Jambi I'd say and a very nice example. Congrats!

Thank you Dave and Detlef, no problem and I will revert to the original hilt!
And I take the opportunity to show you another kris may be from the same origin but the blade has no pamor (it was cleaned and lightly stained, see top picture), ganja iras (just a line drawn at the base), and the warangka is in moon crescent shape. I received it without hilt and fitted this small Jawa deman piece but may be it is not appropriate again, opinions will be welcome.
Best regards
Jean

DAHenkel · 15th May 2013, 02:42 PM

I originally thought these were from Palembang but I've also seen evidence that they may be from Bengkulu. The hilt you have is unfortunately not right for the piece. Afraid I don't have a good photo of my example and its dark out so I can't shoot one now...maybe this weekend if there's time...I attach a photo I stole off of ebay a long time ago. Hopefully nobody recognizes it

Jean · 15th May 2013, 04:45 PM

Thank you Dave and I have a similar piece to yours attributed to South Sumatra and with a "Durga" style hilt also; however the other one was supposed to originate from Jambi because of the wide and strong blade but I agree that Bengkulu is a more likely origin and so I will also replace the hilt!

Sorry for the picture quality, the good one magically disappeared!

Regards

Gustav · 5th June 2014, 02:09 PM

As I understand now, the sheaths shown in the last 3 posts could be also typical for Lampung.

14th May 2013, 06:33 PM	#1
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Thank you Detlef! I recently bought this kris on Ebay from a respected forum member and I also wonder about its origin. It is different from the 2 pieces shown above and the kris from Detlef but it may originate from the same area in Central Sumatra (inland Riau or Jambi). Any opinion? I received it with the Bugis pistol grip but replaced it with a large Jawa Deman one, may be a mistake? Sorry for the pictures quality, the blade is not with me at present. Best regards Jean Attached Images

15th May 2013, 02:42 PM	#5
DAHenkel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 125	I originally thought these were from Palembang but I've also seen evidence that they may be from Bengkulu. The hilt you have is unfortunately not right for the piece. Afraid I don't have a good photo of my example and its dark out so I can't shoot one now...maybe this weekend if there's time...I attach a photo I stole off of ebay a long time ago. Hopefully nobody recognizes it Attached Images

15th May 2013, 04:45 PM	#6
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Thank you Dave and I have a similar piece to yours attributed to South Sumatra and with a "Durga" style hilt also; however the other one was supposed to originate from Jambi because of the wide and strong blade but I agree that Bengkulu is a more likely origin and so I will also replace the hilt! Sorry for the picture quality, the good one magically disappeared! Regards Attached Images

14th May 2013, 07:43 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Hello Jean, beautiful keris, have watched this one as well. I like the blade with it's fine pamor. I think that it is very good possible that this was the original hilt since it hasn't the typical Bugis kerdas form, just my humble opinion. Best, Detlef

15th May 2013, 12:31 AM	#3
DAHenkel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 125	Definitely a mistake to replace the hilt Jean - I hope you have kept the original. Jambi I'd say and a very nice example. Congrats!

5th June 2014, 02:09 PM	#7
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,273	As I understand now, the sheaths shown in the last 3 posts could be also typical for Lampung.