Help with Keris ID?

Bill · 10th June 2005, 12:50 AM

My only "beak" theory is that it is done with a cheisel & little file work. If this was done in Java, it would seem a waste of besi iron, since it appears that more brittle Chinese iron would be used on a lesser piece. On the other hand it seems likely this type of iron would be used in both high end and low end pieces if it were done in Sulawesi, as it appears Sulawesi did not import iron 16-17C. I get the feeling that this keris is more village smith made than by some center of iron work. I have no strong argument that this is Bugis, but for what is already mentioned, I would tend to favor them for origin.

10th June 2005, 12:50 AM	#20
Bill Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago area Posts: 327	My only "beak" theory is that it is done with a cheisel & little file work. If this was done in Java, it would seem a waste of besi iron, since it appears that more brittle Chinese iron would be used on a lesser piece. On the other hand it seems likely this type of iron would be used in both high end and low end pieces if it were done in Sulawesi, as it appears Sulawesi did not import iron 16-17C. I get the feeling that this keris is more village smith made than by some center of iron work. I have no strong argument that this is Bugis, but for what is already mentioned, I would tend to favor them for origin.