Origin of the keris

Pusaka · 18th August 2006, 12:30 PM

Hi guys, good to be back

Personally I find the depictions strikingly similar

David · 18th August 2006, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the better pictures Pusaka. Yes, i agree that they are strikingly similar and as Alan has stated, there is a strong line of development that seems to lead to a great influence from India. Generally, though, the keris as we know it is an asymmetric weapon while these are both fairly symmetric in form (the exception would be the keris sepang which is a relatively rare form and, i think, came a bit later in the evolution of the keris form). I think that most folks here probably buy into the concept of a strong Indian influence, though i would agree with Alan that the keris as we know it in it's asymmetric form probably developed in Jawa.

Pusaka · 18th August 2006, 01:44 PM

It has what looks to be a primitive Gajah too!

David · 18th August 2006, 02:57 PM

I see what you are looking at, but at this level of enlargement i would find it really hard to be definitive about that. I think we might all need to go on a field trip.

18th August 2006, 12:30 PM	#1
Pusaka Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 341	Hi guys, good to be back Personally I find the depictions strikingly similar Attached Images

18th August 2006, 01:44 PM	#3
Pusaka Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 341	It has what looks to be a primitive Gajah too! Attached Images

18th August 2006, 01:41 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	Thanks for the better pictures Pusaka. Yes, i agree that they are strikingly similar and as Alan has stated, there is a strong line of development that seems to lead to a great influence from India. Generally, though, the keris as we know it is an asymmetric weapon while these are both fairly symmetric in form (the exception would be the keris sepang which is a relatively rare form and, i think, came a bit later in the evolution of the keris form). I think that most folks here probably buy into the concept of a strong Indian influence, though i would agree with Alan that the keris as we know it in it's asymmetric form probably developed in Jawa.

18th August 2006, 02:57 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	I see what you are looking at, but at this level of enlargement i would find it really hard to be definitive about that. I think we might all need to go on a field trip.