help please

BluErf · 4th March 2006, 01:45 AM

Hello,

You have a keris from Sumatra, specifically from the Minangkabau people. Looking at the sheath form, it is probably from the Minang people living near to the coastal area than the interior mountainous Minang heartlands.

Your keris is beautiful and complete, and probably has all its parts 'original' (i.e. appropriate and made specifically for this keris) to each other. So resist temptation to 'upgrade' to 'better' (which usually means 'flashier') hilts and accessories which may not be appropriate.

Just keep the wood lightly oiled (with wood oil pls) to prevent cracking, and the blade clean (use light clear oil and wipe off until nearly dry) to prevent rusting. You may consider etching the blade to bring out the pamor, but please leave that to the professionals or experienced collectors.

Go google for "keris" and you'll find lots of information. Be warned, there's no 'one unified word' for keris. Its diverse and depends on the cultural context of where the keris came from (i.e. Central Javanese vs Non-central Javanese vs Madurese vs Sulawesi Bugis vs Straits Bugis, vs South Sumatrans vs Minang vs Bali/Lombok vs South Malay vs Nortg Malay, etc).

Have an exciting journey!

4th March 2006, 01:45 AM	#3
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Hello, You have a keris from Sumatra, specifically from the Minangkabau people. Looking at the sheath form, it is probably from the Minang people living near to the coastal area than the interior mountainous Minang heartlands. Your keris is beautiful and complete, and probably has all its parts 'original' (i.e. appropriate and made specifically for this keris) to each other. So resist temptation to 'upgrade' to 'better' (which usually means 'flashier') hilts and accessories which may not be appropriate. Just keep the wood lightly oiled (with wood oil pls) to prevent cracking, and the blade clean (use light clear oil and wipe off until nearly dry) to prevent rusting. You may consider etching the blade to bring out the pamor, but please leave that to the professionals or experienced collectors. Go google for "keris" and you'll find lots of information. Be warned, there's no 'one unified word' for keris. Its diverse and depends on the cultural context of where the keris came from (i.e. Central Javanese vs Non-central Javanese vs Madurese vs Sulawesi Bugis vs Straits Bugis, vs South Sumatrans vs Minang vs Bali/Lombok vs South Malay vs Nortg Malay, etc). Have an exciting journey!