Nice Sumatran Keris For Comment

[BluErf]

Another carita, again from Dave Henkel's collection. Exceptionally long and fine example. Some collectors refer to the carita in the post above as a melela.

The difference between a melela and a carita is the subject of much disagreement. Most would agree that a keris with deep "double fullers", meaning double sogokan and kruwingan reaching the tip, or at least covering 3/4 of a blade, is called a melela. A carita is supposed to have shallower fullers, and in certain cases, no fullers. The confusion comes in when a keris a set of fullers that is neither shallow nor deep. Would that be a melela or carita?

[BluErf]

This is a straight carita from Pattani.

http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_photo.php

[Lew]

Question about the pamor? It seems that there is two types of pamor on the blade. The lower half of the blade looks like a scattered rice pattern but it changes half way up the blade to a fine linear pattern?


Lew

[David]

Yes Lew, it's nice to see that it is a pamored blade after all. My inclination would be to stain it to bring out the pamor, but i have been led to believe that warangan treatment is not traditional for blades from this region so i don't know if that would be the proper course of action. But it sure would make it easier to read the pamor.
Nice catch!

[Lew]

Hi All

I noticed a something interesting today I was removing the keris from the scabbard when I noticed the keris made a ringing sound so I plinked the center of the blade with my finger and a pleasant ring came out of the blade much like a tuning fork or a fine crystal wine glass would make. This sound lasted for about 5 seconds. Is this something out of the ordinary for this type of blade? Maybe I have found the excalibur of the keris


Lew

[David]

I've always been particularly fond of "ringers" and have a few myself that have particularly good resonance. Some writers (Tammens for one i believe) have made reference to different types of rings having different significance. It seems to be a sign of good metal working to me, though many of my better keris don't have much of a ring at all. Interestingly, one of my best ringers is also a Bugis blade, though one from Sulawesi.
BTW, take it for what it's worth to you, but i have heard that it is considered rude to the spirit of the keris to plink the blade with your finger.
Though i must admit i find it hard to resist on a good "ringer" myself.

[A. G. Maisey]

As I have already stated, my knowledge of Bugis/ Peninsula/ Sumatra keris is not very great.

I thank you, BluErf, for your over-view of Peninsula blade forms.

May we focus on the Bugis form for a moment?

You have mentioned that Bugis style blades made in Peninsula Malaysia tend to be more refined than Bugis blades originating in South Sulawesi.

Are you able to identify specific indicators that would place a Bugis style blade into a classification of Peninsula manufacture, or South Sulawesi manufacture?

If you are not able to identify such specific indicators, and the classification of geographic origin of a Bugis blade is a matter for subjective assessment and experience, are you able to provide guidelines to assist in making this classification?

If a Peninsular Bugis blade is "sweeter" and "finer" than most Sulawesi Bugis blades, are you able to define the elements that contribute to this higher level of refinement?

Thank you for your clarification of this matter.

[Lew]

Originally Posted by David

I've always been particularly fond of "ringers" and have a few
BTW, take it for what it's worth to you, but i have heard that it is considered rude to the spirit of the keris to plink the blade with your finger.
Though i must admit i find it hard to resist on a good "ringer" myself.

OK David

I would not want to offend the spirit of the keris but it is a rather sweet sound. I will try and control my urges from now on.


Lew