Keris For Comment ?

nechesh · 29th November 2005, 05:38 PM

I think we don't see older examples of this material either because it's use is fairly recent or it just doesn't hold up over time because of it's fragility. I think you will find this to be the case with fossilized elephant tooth as well. Almost all of the examples we see are contemporary. Even though it is hard it is very brittle and if there were a lot of older example (i don't really think there were) they didn't hold up.
As nice as that frog on th lily pads hilt is in this modern piece, i would be VERY wary about handling it at all. It is art for art sake with no functionality to it.

Battara · 30th November 2005, 01:06 AM

I have to agree with Nechesh. Whalebone is somewhat prized, but the fragility is what I would question. I have seen one kampilan done in whalebone. Amazing, but parts did not seem to hold up as well as others. Fossil elephant ivory is also a problem - talismanic, but very fragile and thus have only seen 3 Moro examples, one of which I own.

I have also been eyeing this keris and was wondering about it. Personally I love John's better, this is a nice one too.

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29th November 2005, 05:38 PM	#1
nechesh Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 940	I think we don't see older examples of this material either because it's use is fairly recent or it just doesn't hold up over time because of it's fragility. I think you will find this to be the case with fossilized elephant tooth as well. Almost all of the examples we see are contemporary. Even though it is hard it is very brittle and if there were a lot of older example (i don't really think there were) they didn't hold up. As nice as that frog on th lily pads hilt is in this modern piece, i would be VERY wary about handling it at all. It is art for art sake with no functionality to it.

30th November 2005, 01:06 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I have to agree with Nechesh. Whalebone is somewhat prized, but the fragility is what I would question. I have seen one kampilan done in whalebone. Amazing, but parts did not seem to hold up as well as others. Fossil elephant ivory is also a problem - talismanic, but very fragile and thus have only seen 3 Moro examples, one of which I own. I have also been eyeing this keris and was wondering about it. Personally I love John's better, this is a nice one too.