Is this a whale's tooth?

Jean · 5th January 2016, 07:42 PM

I would like to see the peksi hole (decaying/ pitting or not?) before giving a more definite opinion but would guess for either tanduk rusa (deer antller) or whale bone (not tooth). The origin of the piece is probably East Java and from the patina its age may be about 100 years indeed.
Regards

harrywagner · 6th January 2016, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

I would like to see the peksi hole (decaying/ pitting or not?) before giving a more definite opinion but would guess for either tanduk rusa (deer antller) or whale bone (not tooth). The origin of the piece is probably East Java and from the patina its age may be about 100 years indeed.
Regards

Hi Jean,
I am afraid you lost me at peksi hole! What is that?

Rick · 6th January 2016, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrywagner

Hi Jean,
I am afraid you lost me at peksi hole! What is that?

Refers to the hole in the handle that the tang (peksi) of the keris fits into.

A. G. Maisey · 7th January 2016, 12:39 AM

In the Javanese language, the word "peksi" means "bird", it is krama (ie, high level Javanese) for "bird", the ngoko (low level, common level) equivalent is "manuk".

The word "pesi" is the correct word to use for a keris tang, or other stick tang, in some applications it can also mean a "pin".

The confusion between these two words is understandable, because the "k" in "peksi" is a glottal stop, which goes virtually unheard, especially by a non-native speaker of Javanese.

harrywagner · 7th January 2016, 01:40 AM

The peksi hole. Thanks again for the help!

Sajen · 8th January 2016, 08:32 PM

Hello Harry,

look like antler or indeed whalebone on your last picture, I would sort out other bone. It's sometimes very difficult to determine the exact origin of the used material, even elephant ivory can become very difficult when it's very worn.
And it's very awkward to get a decision without handling the material. So it's my best guess.

Regards,
Detlef

kai · 9th January 2016, 01:41 AM

Hello Detlef,

Quote:

look like antler or indeed whalebone on your last picture, I would sort out other bone.

I'm afraid I don't see any notable hints for it being made from stag nor whalebone. Still looks like "generic" bone from a terrestrial mammal to me...

Quote:

And it's very awkward to get a decision without handling the material. So it's my best guess.

Agreed - just my 2 cents as well.

Regards,
Kai

7th January 2016, 01:40 AM	#5
harrywagner Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 373	Peksi hole The peksi hole. Thanks again for the help! Attached Images

5th January 2016, 07:42 PM	#1
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	I would like to see the peksi hole (decaying/ pitting or not?) before giving a more definite opinion but would guess for either tanduk rusa (deer antller) or whale bone (not tooth). The origin of the piece is probably East Java and from the patina its age may be about 100 years indeed. Regards

7th January 2016, 12:39 AM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	In the Javanese language, the word "peksi" means "bird", it is krama (ie, high level Javanese) for "bird", the ngoko (low level, common level) equivalent is "manuk". The word "pesi" is the correct word to use for a keris tang, or other stick tang, in some applications it can also mean a "pin". The confusion between these two words is understandable, because the "k" in "peksi" is a glottal stop, which goes virtually unheard, especially by a non-native speaker of Javanese.

8th January 2016, 08:32 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,213	Hello Harry, look like antler or indeed whalebone on your last picture, I would sort out other bone. It's sometimes very difficult to determine the exact origin of the used material, even elephant ivory can become very difficult when it's very worn. And it's very awkward to get a decision without handling the material. So it's my best guess. Regards, Detlef