Another eBay Keris

[dbhmgb]

Originally Posted by Gustav

Blade is a fairly typical South Sumatran one, perhaps one still can see strong West Java influences here. I wouldn't call this blade Bugis.

The sheath form also is South/ towards Central Sumatran. It resembles much the old scabbard style, from which possibly both later Javanese and Bugis forms (and Palembang) were derived. Most probably Minangkabau? Not much is really known about South/Central Sumatran forms, and it seems it will for ever stay so. Similar form is possible also in Northern Peninsula Malay regions.

Most probably the only visualy acceptable way to do some restauration would be to reconstruct the missing lower part of Gandar, and then hide the new material with rattan bindings (there probably still are some signs of old bindings). I think, you can find a recipe how to stain rattan (to look it old) here in the forum.

Thank you Gustav. This is why I love this site.

I said it was Bugis using an uneducated guess - the information you provide here is very enlightening! It seems that this keris has become even more interesting.

I will research the rattan suggestion - thanks again.

Dan