Sumatran keris for discussion

Rick · 19th August 2006, 12:59 AM

I'd vote for number two Shahrial; the cup/mendak seems a better fit to the ukiran . I don't know whether it's in keeping or not but to my untrained eye it seems more balanced .

David · 19th August 2006, 01:09 AM

I would agree with Rick here for the very same reasons. The cup in the first combo appears just a little too large. I also like this second hilt a little better. But as for what would be more proper, i am afraid i am in the same boat as Rick.

Rick · 19th August 2006, 01:21 AM

While we're on the subject of keris fashion; here's a new (to me) but old mendak I tossed on my Anak Alang. Is it in fitting with the style?
It seems to be silver on brass and nice work except for the missing ball.
This doesn't strike me as a Jawa mendak.

A. G. Maisey · 19th August 2006, 01:31 AM

Looks like north coast Jawa or Madura to me, Rick.

Rick · 19th August 2006, 01:38 AM

Fashion blunder .

What I found interesting about this mendak is that one side had been purposely compressed to create an angled cup.
Most unusual to my eyes.

Anyway carry on .

BluErf · 20th August 2006, 10:28 AM

I'm looking high and low for a Madurese mendak...

For shahrial's keris, I think second one is better. The first hilt is nice, but shd have a Minang-style cup (with a long stem and deep bowl) rather than a straits Bugis-style cup.

Alam Shah · 20th August 2006, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluErf

For shahrial's keris, I think second one is better. The first hilt is nice, but shd have a Minang-style cup (with a long stem and deep bowl) rather than a straits Bugis-style cup.

Rick, David, Kai Wee, thanks for your opinions.
I agree that the 2nd looks better with a matching cup (pendongkok)...
The first one, if use a Minang-styled cup would be too high. It's also hard to come by...

... The 1st option is out.

Actually, looking at the 1st piece hilt, the lobe raising from the back of the head may represent a Garuda Mungkur form, and likely from Palembang.

The 2nd hilt, although a different form, looks like a South Sumatran (Palembang) piece, as well. But at least the hilt ring/cup is in Central Sumatra form, looks matching... but I don't know...hmmm.

Alam Shah · 20th August 2006, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

While we're on the subject of keris fashion; here's a new (to me) but old mendak I tossed on my Anak Alang. Is it in fitting with the style?
It seems to be silver on brass and nice work except for the missing ball.
This doesn't strike me as a Jawa mendak.

As Alan and Kai Wee had mentioned, the mendak is not from Sumatra.

Some examples of Sumatran ring/cup (pendokok/pendongkok/pendoko). [link]

An example of a Minangkabau form that would be fitting for your piece. [link]

Alam Shah · 21st August 2006, 12:22 PM

The sheath form is found in Stone's, Pg:387, Fig: 483, #2. It seems like I'm talking to myself...

David · 21st August 2006, 01:48 PM

Don't worry Shahrial....it may seem like you are talking to yourself, but we're listening.

It's hard to tell from the small pic in stone, but while similar, it does appear that your sheath has some subtle, but important differences, especially along the top in the curve of the "boat". Variation on a form....or different catagory...?

Alam Shah · 21st August 2006, 03:20 PM

Yup, agreed. The upper portion inwards curve is different. I agree with Michael's opinion on the daun, of Gayo influence...hmmm.

rahman · 21st August 2006, 03:29 PM

Shah

The first combination -- the pendongko is a Bugis cup, definitely not a good fit. Keep looking for a suitable Minang style

19th August 2006, 01:21 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	While we're on the subject of keris fashion; here's a new (to me) but old mendak I tossed on my Anak Alang. Is it in fitting with the style? It seems to be silver on brass and nice work except for the missing ball. This doesn't strike me as a Jawa mendak. Attached Images

19th August 2006, 01:38 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Oops ! Fashion blunder . What I found interesting about this mendak is that one side had been purposely compressed to create an angled cup. Most unusual to my eyes. Anyway carry on .

21st August 2006, 12:22 PM	#9
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	Stone's reference... The sheath form is found in Stone's, Pg:387, Fig: 483, #2. It seems like I'm talking to myself...

21st August 2006, 03:20 PM	#11
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	similar but not the same... Yup, agreed. The upper portion inwards curve is different. I agree with Michael's opinion on the daun, of Gayo influence...hmmm.

19th August 2006, 12:59 AM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	I'd vote for number two Shahrial; the cup/mendak seems a better fit to the ukiran . I don't know whether it's in keeping or not but to my untrained eye it seems more balanced .

19th August 2006, 01:09 AM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	I would agree with Rick here for the very same reasons. The cup in the first combo appears just a little too large. I also like this second hilt a little better. But as for what would be more proper, i am afraid i am in the same boat as Rick.

19th August 2006, 01:31 AM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,013	Looks like north coast Jawa or Madura to me, Rick.

20th August 2006, 10:28 AM	#6
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	I'm looking high and low for a Madurese mendak... For shahrial's keris, I think second one is better. The first hilt is nice, but shd have a Minang-style cup (with a long stem and deep bowl) rather than a straits Bugis-style cup.

21st August 2006, 01:48 PM	#10
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	Don't worry Shahrial....it may seem like you are talking to yourself, but we're listening. It's hard to tell from the small pic in stone, but while similar, it does appear that your sheath has some subtle, but important differences, especially along the top in the curve of the "boat". Variation on a form....or different catagory...?

21st August 2006, 03:29 PM	#12
rahman Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 84	Shah The first combination -- the pendongko is a Bugis cup, definitely not a good fit. Keep looking for a suitable Minang style