Bugis for Comments

[Raja Muda]

I've recently acquired this keris which looks like a Straits Bugis keris by way of Kelantan. It does have a diamond section blade, though the fittings are probably somewhat more recent.

I was wondering if other forum members have something similar.

[PenangsangII]

I wouldnt be surprised if this keris is classified as "Chenuk"

[Sajen]

Lovely keris Raja Muda! :) The sheath is very nice with the sampir from Kettengga wood. Can you post some close ups from the hilt please?

Penangsang, what is "Chenuk", can you please explain?

Regards,

Detlef

[Jentayu]

Penangsang, what makes you think its "Chenuk"? IMHO it doesn't have the characteristic of typical chenuk blade that I have seen.

[A. G. Maisey]

What language does the word "chenuk" come from?

It is not Javanese, not Indonesian.

In fact the "ch" combination of letters only occurs in a few words in Bahasa Indonesia, and they are adopted words from--- I think --- mainly Japanese.

To me, this is a very, very peculiar word to be used in connection with the keris.

[PenangsangII]

Chenuk is a place in Pattani that was identified as one of the biggest melting points as far as keris is concerned. It was said the "kampung" was the best keris producers in 18th and 19th century.

The keris from Chenuk most often were hybrids of Pandai saras (Jawanese-Malay) and the Bugis kerises (SulSel, Sumatran even Cirebon influence)

[Raja Muda]

Dear Penangsang,

I think you're referring to Kampung Chenok (in Thai 'Chana') which is actually located very near Songkhla (Malay 'Singgora').

I know this place as the home of the famous Keris Coteng, but judging from the somewhat solid and muscular heft and shape of my blade, I would assume origins further South amongst the seafaring Bugis community.

Here's a closer look of the Hulu.