Madura? What actually is it?

A. G. Maisey · 12th June 2023, 10:40 PM

I think we're looking at Madura Gavin --- blade & hilt that is.

Jawa was a big exporter of weapon blades to all over SE Asia & as far west as Sri Langka & India, but it is probable that a lot of those supposedly Jawa blades actually came from Madura, and apart from that, Madura pandes moved all over SE Asia.

I have a Brunei keris that was supposedly the state execution keris dating from 1842, the pamor if seen in isolation would be identified as Madura, the keris itself is decidedly Brunei & surrounds, but details in the handwork might be taken as Madura.

Similar thing with some Peninsula keris I have seen.

Gavin Nugent · 13th June 2023, 09:58 AM

Thank you Alan.

In particular, I have mostly seen Java trade or heirloom blades in Kedah and Perak dress where Malaysia is concerned, which often surprised me but given your Sri Lanka reference and the activity in the straits, it is no surprise.

Gav

12th June 2023, 10:40 PM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,989	I think we're looking at Madura Gavin --- blade & hilt that is. Jawa was a big exporter of weapon blades to all over SE Asia & as far west as Sri Langka & India, but it is probable that a lot of those supposedly Jawa blades actually came from Madura, and apart from that, Madura pandes moved all over SE Asia. I have a Brunei keris that was supposedly the state execution keris dating from 1842, the pamor if seen in isolation would be identified as Madura, the keris itself is decidedly Brunei & surrounds, but details in the handwork might be taken as Madura. Similar thing with some Peninsula keris I have seen.

13th June 2023, 09:58 AM	#2
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Thank you Alan. In particular, I have mostly seen Java trade or heirloom blades in Kedah and Perak dress where Malaysia is concerned, which often surprised me but given your Sri Lanka reference and the activity in the straits, it is no surprise. Gav