"Bawar" hilts from Aceh

Gustav · 1st July 2010, 07:31 PM

The Selut-Mendak in this picture resembles very much the selut on the golden keris from Sulawesi (and Bima), with hilts depicting Bhima (or Arjuna). These keris are clearly status symbols, the blades seems to be Javanese, and probably also the hilts. There are roughly made Toraja copies, but the originals are most probably pre-islamic.

In Sumatra there are occuring similar, very roughly made keris (for bridal ceremonies).

Similar selut in Tropenmuseum:

http://collectie.tropenmuseum.nl/nBa...=&culturenode=

Stunning, how details of status keris are following Javanese prototypes ewerywhere in the archipelago. Planar hilt forms (without patra's) are occuring in Java early, probably before 1600.

1st July 2010, 07:31 PM	#1
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,273	The Selut-Mendak in this picture resembles very much the selut on the golden keris from Sulawesi (and Bima), with hilts depicting Bhima (or Arjuna). These keris are clearly status symbols, the blades seems to be Javanese, and probably also the hilts. There are roughly made Toraja copies, but the originals are most probably pre-islamic. In Sumatra there are occuring similar, very roughly made keris (for bridal ceremonies). Similar selut in Tropenmuseum: http://collectie.tropenmuseum.nl/nBa...=&culturenode= Stunning, how details of status keris are following Javanese prototypes ewerywhere in the archipelago. Planar hilt forms (without patra's) are occuring in Java early, probably before 1600. Attached Images