My Java keris

[Johan van Zyl]

I was very pleased to have read all your comments, and thank you. Especially Mr Maisey has gone out of his way to give some serious thought, but I appreciate every reaction, even small. Amongst others, I have now as a result researched timoho wood and have noticed the opinions on the dark spots being caused by fungal growth.
I have a further question on the wrangka of my keris. In comparing many pics of the basic shape called ladrang, of which mine is an example, I came under the impression of the outlines of the keel, bow and stern of a boat. I suppose the boat design is simply reminiscent of the Indonesian countries having seafaring people living in them.
I was wondering why the upturned ends of my wrangka does not rise so tall as those I have seen the pics of. There is no indication whatsoever that my wrangka had lost its high point due to breakage. Everything looks fine. Perhaps the very high swirling bow and stern are more modern? Another question: both the ladrang and gayaman shapes seem to be Javanese, but what position would these two different shapes enjoy in their everyday use? Are they both held in the same esteem? And a last question today, if you will be so kind: the wood my wrangka was made of does not seem to be timoho. Some comment on what you reckon it might be? Perhaps kemuning or trembalo?
Johan