[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by David

Gavin, why fossilized walrus tusk? It is not a particularly traditional material for Bali keris dress.
As i scan the news of the day i am not sure that your friend did these people any favors "dragging" them, as you say into "the world as we know it today"
I also have a bit of trouble seeing how this particular keris is somehow being returned to it's "rightful heirs".
I am all in favor for seeing that people who want to stay in touch with their culture and tradition have that opportunity. I wonder though if a better way to do it might not be to provide new blades for this purpose as i doubt that these people have any actual family heirloom connection to most (or any) of the blades you are "returning" to them.

Thanks David,

I think you may have read to far into the fossil Walrus Ivory, I made no mention that it is for the Kris, I do however wish to obtain these peices as I know they are very well regarded by the masterful carvers whom they will go too.

As for all we read in the news...I know they are very happy and grateful to be who they are and where they are in life, they are of high caste and since been shown other ways of coping many decades ago, they are doing very well for themselves, this is not to say they would not have done this on their own and in their own time, but what is done is done and I have been bought into this wonderful connection that my dear friend Max has with these people.

I do also correspond via email helping with English as often as I can with Gede's son Gusde (and forgive me for not using their full names but it's just not cricket putting their full names up here).

With regards to the "Rightful Heirs", you are right there is no single line that can point to this piece being traced back to their linage, the phrase is more ment to place this knife in it's country of origin with people who appreciate it's return. It is purely in the giving of the piece, not that I am in way against collecting artifacts, I am an avid collector but these people have an afinity to these knives and as it is of little effort or money on my part, I see no reason why I should not help where I can, where many won't. For those close to me who take an interest, other parts of my collections will find ways to other individuals in years to come.

I do appreciate you being in favour of some sort of effort being made to bring these blades into their hands but anyone can buy a new knife...I might well ask all, why I should NOT do this, but like everyone in this world we do as we do.

I feel they have more of a right to these old kris, for they are to be of an important and practical use to them, rather than having them sitting in another country. I am sure all in this forum are aware of the beliefs Balinese have about "old kris blades".

So far other cultures go these are the only re-patronisations I feel strongly about thus far with a small exception of a Sudanese knife I gave to a young Sudanese man 3 doors up, some people never ever get the chance to hold a piece of their heritage, why should I have all the pleasure.

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Thank you Gavin for your additional comments.

I now understand clearly the level of your knowledge in this area, and your comprehension of social conditions and mores in Bali.

You have my complements for your commitment, and my best wishes for the success of your venture.

Thank you A. G. Maisley

best regards

Gavin