A Very Interesting Kriss...But Where From??

[kai]

Hello CharlesS,

Thanks for bringing this on!

While I cannot be 100% sure of its origins, my take on it is that it is a late 19th, or early 20th century Malay...or even possibly Indonesian take, or "imitation", of a Moro style kriss. That is, not Moro made, or used, but strictly a Moro style imitated.

I do agree that this seems to have been done for the Malay market; I don't think it's fair to call this an "imitated Moro style" though since sundang are well established in Malay culture and nothing in this piece does hint at Moro craftmanship or style. Any other hints of age except the ivory patina like the usual hairline cracks, wear to the bindings, etc.?

The blade is an anomaly and certainly not a sundang blade as usually crafted on the Malay peninsula. The pamor looks conspiciously Balinese to me but the dapur seems odd again - let me check. Hopefully the keris crowd will chime in here, too.

BTW, the clamp is not connected to the hilt, isn't it?

Regards,
Kai