Opinions on Javanese Keris

RSWORD · 30th January 2020, 08:53 PM

Thank you for the comments David and confirming my thoughts that this was an unusual keris for a number of reasons. The clip and chape are probably Coin or German Silver. I also appreciate your thoughts about what these symbols often mean in other cultures. Like you, I am looking forward to additional thoughts and comments about this piece.

David · 30th January 2020, 11:08 PM

Someone should have more to say about the cross in the circle symbol. I have seen it quite often on keris. The other one i don't remember seeing.

A. G. Maisey · 31st January 2020, 06:25 AM

I've seen both these symbols,

The round one is, as David has said,widely recognised as a sun symbol, in Jawa it can refer to the Sun, or it can refer to Surya, the Sun Deity. If it is recognised as the weapon of Wisnu, it is his discus, and by extension refers to Wisnu himself. In Jawa this motif is called the Cakra.

The other symbol is uncommon, I have seen it illustrated, I have never seen it actually applied to anything. I do have at least one picture of it in one of my books, I've had a quick look and cannot find it. It is a legitimate symbol, not a one off, so somebody with the time and the inclination will find it sooner or later.

The white metal scabbard fittings are made from mamas, if they do not test as silver.

My impression is that this is a relatively recent creation. The blade gives me the feeling that it is a robahan (a changeling), but not yesterday, maybe late Colonial era, however, the kinatah work I am virtually certain is very recent.

Jean · 31st January 2020, 08:57 AM

The other rajah motif on the sorsoran is called "pilulut" and is deemed to help the kris owner to charm the opposite sex, see another specimen, and also a similar type of scabbard.
Regards

A. G. Maisey · 31st January 2020, 10:57 AM

That's good Jean.

I knew it was around somewhere, where did you get the info, or were you told and made a note of it?

Jean · 31st January 2020, 05:31 PM

Hello Alan,
I got it from the book Keris Jawa on page 250 for instance, but the reference about the magic properties is from another source which I cannot remember at present.
Regards

RSWORD · 31st January 2020, 06:17 PM

Thank you Alan and Jean for the additional information. Much appreciated.

31st January 2020, 08:57 AM	#4
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	The other rajah motif on the sorsoran is called "pilulut" and is deemed to help the kris owner to charm the opposite sex, see another specimen, and also a similar type of scabbard. Regards Attached Images

31st January 2020, 05:31 PM	#6
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Hello Alan, I got it from the book Keris Jawa on page 250 for instance, but the reference about the magic properties is from another source which I cannot remember at present. Regards Attached Images

30th January 2020, 08:53 PM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	Thank you for the comments David and confirming my thoughts that this was an unusual keris for a number of reasons. The clip and chape are probably Coin or German Silver. I also appreciate your thoughts about what these symbols often mean in other cultures. Like you, I am looking forward to additional thoughts and comments about this piece.

30th January 2020, 11:08 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	Someone should have more to say about the cross in the circle symbol. I have seen it quite often on keris. The other one i don't remember seeing.

31st January 2020, 06:25 AM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	I've seen both these symbols, The round one is, as David has said,widely recognised as a sun symbol, in Jawa it can refer to the Sun, or it can refer to Surya, the Sun Deity. If it is recognised as the weapon of Wisnu, it is his discus, and by extension refers to Wisnu himself. In Jawa this motif is called the Cakra. The other symbol is uncommon, I have seen it illustrated, I have never seen it actually applied to anything. I do have at least one picture of it in one of my books, I've had a quick look and cannot find it. It is a legitimate symbol, not a one off, so somebody with the time and the inclination will find it sooner or later. The white metal scabbard fittings are made from mamas, if they do not test as silver. My impression is that this is a relatively recent creation. The blade gives me the feeling that it is a robahan (a changeling), but not yesterday, maybe late Colonial era, however, the kinatah work I am virtually certain is very recent.

31st January 2020, 10:57 AM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	That's good Jean. I knew it was around somewhere, where did you get the info, or were you told and made a note of it?

31st January 2020, 06:17 PM	#7
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	Thank you Alan and Jean for the additional information. Much appreciated.