Bugis Keris

[Gustav]

Two another wooden examples, and for comparison an old ivory one. The ivory one is almost not "teleng" (more like a regular Java Demam), also the angle of the head part to main body is completeley different, much smaller (more upright)and is quite similar to David's hilt. Note the attempt to carve floral ornament on one arm. There is a feeling of this hilt being either very worn or more likely not really finished, and perhaps one also feels carvers unfamiliarity with material and the size limitations. The attempt to carve extra decoration may be a compensation for the lack of would grain, which normally would animate the plains.

I would call this ivory hilt stiff.