Keris Hilt : pop quiz

[PenangsangII]

I am sorry Newsteel, I think to be frank with you, it's a like AlamShah said, simplified tajung hilt - could be mass produced

[A. G. Maisey]

Before I ask this question, I'd like to be very clear:-

I am not attacking anybody; this is a straight forward, plain question with no hidden agenda .

Lately I have seen several times the reference to "mass production" in discussions.

Exactly what do other members of this discussion group consider to be "mass production"?

[David]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Before I ask this question, I'd like to be very clear:-

I am not attacking anybody; this is a straight forward, plain question with no hidden agenda .

Lately I have seen several times the reference to "mass production" in discussions.

Exactly what do other members of this discussion group consider to be "mass production"?

I would have to second Alan's questioning of the term "mass production". I tend to think of it more along the lines of the Henry Ford model and it usually applies to larger items than keris hilts which need to be assembled. I think of machinery and conveyor belts and items which all turn out looking exactly the same as one another in mass quantities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_production
This hilt does appear to be a more modern and perhaps simplified tajong. At least it doesn't seem to follow the usually codified design pattern for tajong. Still it seems a fairly well executed carving. But i would question the idea that it was "mass produced".

[Newsteel]

I got this from my contact in Sumatra when I acquire keris Palembang from him. This hilt happened to be with him, said to come from Lampung.

New hilt no doubt but it got this smooth aged touch. I can't help but noticing the silimar features of a tajong and the super curling beak. It has slimmer width but of same length or size of a tajong. Even the carving, very much influenced by the tajong but there are also some floral motives too, similar to what found on some typical Sumatran hilt (keris panjang).

History, little information is known about Lampung (keris). But there is once a strong connection and influence between Lampung and Pattani/Northern Malaysia before Demak kingdom came into power.

[Newsteel]

There is also possibility that this hilt would be another "reproduction" - meaning it could be customised by someone at Sumatra. Unlike a typical tajong where it has a boxier shape, this may be customised to suite the Sumatran. Looking close at it, I would not rate it as a tourist piece either.

[BluErf]

A sumatran interpretation of the tajong, which probably appeared in recent times.

The carving is "quick and rough" type. I don't like to use the term "tourist", but ya, its probably part of that category.

[David]

Originally Posted by BluErf

The carving is "quick and rough" type. I don't like to use the term "tourist", but ya, its probably part of that category.

hmmm....it's certainly not a "fine" carving, but i think you and i have a different definition or "quick and rough".