New - Peninsula Malay Anak Alang

[Rick]

I think I'll throw this photo up for comments from members who may have not seen it before .

[BigG]

Originally Posted by Rick

I think I'll throw this photo up for comments from members who may have not seen it before .

Is that A Ganjar Se-iras?

Anyway, from the stand point of the asthetics alone, some peopl may have a bit of a quarrel with the form of this blade... but from the utility point of view, this keris is wonderful. It serves a combination of 2 purposes... The slimness & length makes it an excellent stabbing weapon while the bent rather then a true curvature, will give it zero angle of attack in combat, a feature that I believe is highly prized in a fighting blade amongst the Malays & the Bugis.

The fullers too makes this blade terribly firm and strong. This would be a non pamor blade... Besi Hitam Sebatang, literally Single Black Metal.

Though it might offend the sensibilities of some to describe and analyse the utilitarian aspect of the keris... it is essential that we do so for Malay and Bugis kerises as in these 2 cultures, the evaluation of the keris from a utilitarian aspect just as much as the asthetics was consdered of great importance. Although a Keris in Malay and Buginese culture has many other socio-cultural functions, it has never transcended away from is deemed as its basic aspect as a weapon.

Even now, to view and then called out a Malay or Bugis Keris with prominent utilitarian features with such terms as Ganas - Brutal is acceptable and seen as a praise and not deemed an insult at all. To use the phrase ganas tapi menawan/cantik (brutal but atrractive/beautiful) or ganas tapi gemalai (brutal but elegant) is considered a worthy praise.

So my friend your blade is in my humble opinion praise worthy for being able to straddle both the asthetics and the utilitarian.. ganas tapi gemalai brutal but elegant..

[Rick]

Thanks for your comments BigG .

No, it is not an iras .
I was drawn to this keris for the very aspects you describe .
It is a terrible Tooth, yet lovely .
In the Kruwingan(?) the metal is formed into parallel wrinkles running their length .

I was curious to know the origin of the blade .
I know it has so-so Palembang style dress .

But; was it forged in Sumatera ?

[BigG]

Originally Posted by Rick

I was drawn to this keris for the very aspects you describe .
It is a terrible Tooth, yet lovely .

Yes I agree... the utilitarian aspect of a weapon is often times overlook... like the Bowie... to the uninitiated its size & form can be so lopsidedly unproportionate that it has been described as comical... it is only when you understand the dual purpose origin of the Bowie as both tool & weapon that you would be be able to aprreciate it better.

Originally Posted by Rick

In the Kruwingan(?) the metal is formed into parallel wrinkles running their length.

Need to look at this again in detail cant see it at first look...

Originally Posted by Rick

I was curious...
...was it forged in Sumatera ?

I must admit that I lack a fine eye for detail like many here... Maybe Alam & BluErf can comment more on this... The other problem is that Malay Keris forms do not have the kind of precise pakem conformity as would Javanese and other Kejawen (Javanese influence) pieces. In fact it is not wrong to state that it does not have the same kind of conceptual grasp of the term pakem as Pakem is seen and adhered to in Java, Bali etc...

I can only make a guesstimate from what I can see here of the blade material and the ricikan/bunga krawang that it doesnt look like it is a Peninsula anak alang form or manufacture. However, I am uncertain of whether this is a Riau or Sumatran form. I am leaning towards Sumatra in form & manufacture at a guts level though..

I am afraid thats the best I can do Rick...

[A. G. Maisey]

Big G, I accept that you are sensitive, refined, and rather precious personality, and it grieves me deeply that you are unable to accept my compliments as they are intended.

At no time have I implied that your skilfully crafted pantuns are childish rhymes, rather I offered a suggestion that may avoid them being thought of as such by those who are unfamiliar with your culture.

I miss the point of your comment in respect of your "--- lack of applied intelligence---"

Only a moment ago, in your post #8 , you likened the composing of pantuns to an exercise in intelligence, and I for one would not debate this with you.

As for respect, it does tend to find its own level.

You know Big G, I once knew a woman who could read a telephone book and find a story between the lines.

I rather suspect that you may have a similar ability.

[BigG]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

it grieves me deeply that you are unable to accept my compliments as they are intended...

Ah yes... your inimitable compliments... getting an accelerated acquaintance with that too..

[David]

Gentlemen, please continue this repartee elsewhere such as in PM. It has no place here.