keris identification

tom hyle · 5th February 2005, 01:14 PM

This hilt shape is usually identified as a sexual pod/flower of some kind of plant. I don't remember which. Hard to tell from photos, but it does look like ivory or some kind of tooth to me.
mmmm.... guess selut is ferule; it is the hilt (ukiran; I know that one) that is too small for it, of course, not vice-versa. The ferule is brass (note green rust). It appears to be a Bugis style ferule, and as such there may not be, and doesn't seem to be, a seperate tang-ring (mendak etc.) as such. this ferule likely originally went on an angled "push-dagger" type hilt. The piece appears to be what would in most cutlery fields be called a "marriage", often with a (largely unwarranted) sneer, but a kris' keeper is expected to change its dress for nationalistic, fashion, quality, damage or other reasons. Also, of course, it is all removable, and can readily to changed back. Some kris dress is assembled up out of whatever parts can be obtained for a naked or partly dressed kris, while others have been switched out over the years, perhaps telling a tale of moves and wanderings.

5th February 2005, 01:14 PM	#4
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	This hilt shape is usually identified as a sexual pod/flower of some kind of plant. I don't remember which. Hard to tell from photos, but it does look like ivory or some kind of tooth to me. mmmm.... guess selut is ferule; it is the hilt (ukiran; I know that one) that is too small for it, of course, not vice-versa. The ferule is brass (note green rust). It appears to be a Bugis style ferule, and as such there may not be, and doesn't seem to be, a seperate tang-ring (mendak etc.) as such. this ferule likely originally went on an angled "push-dagger" type hilt. The piece appears to be what would in most cutlery fields be called a "marriage", often with a (largely unwarranted) sneer, but a kris' keeper is expected to change its dress for nationalistic, fashion, quality, damage or other reasons. Also, of course, it is all removable, and can readily to changed back. Some kris dress is assembled up out of whatever parts can be obtained for a naked or partly dressed kris, while others have been switched out over the years, perhaps telling a tale of moves and wanderings. Last edited by tom hyle; 5th February 2005 at 01:57 PM.