Bugis Sheath Info Requested

[David]

We often see keris fitted to a sheath that is not originally made for it. It is both common and acceptable. However, given the great gap in the fit here i have my doubts that this was anything that was done in culture for traditional use. Generally if that much of a gap was left after fitting a keris to an unrelated sheath it would be filled in some way to create a more acceptable fit. It seems more likely to me that the seller had a naked keris and a spare sheath and that he simply paired them for the sale. While i agree with Gustav that sheaths are not always meant to match the length of the blade, this keris appears to be a keris selit/sisip and if this is the case the sheath most definitely should match the blade length. These are small, secondary keris that are meant to be tucked into a waistband. As such they should be is much smaller dress that allows for this kind of wear.
The best solution would, of course, be to have a new sheath created for this keris, but i understand all too well how that is not really possible for collectors that live far outside the culture. My suggestion in this case would be that you don't alter the sheath length. If you were to replace the buntut i would chose the ivory material you have if you really want to match the hilt. You might consider trying to fill the space in the gap for a better blade fit. You could shape a wooden piece for that purpose. In some cases shellac has been used.