Keris Handle / Hilts Appreciation

A. G. Maisey · 5th May 2011, 12:49 AM

Rasjid, I'm not too strong on what "knowledgeable collectors" consider to be correct. I do not consider myself a collector --- although I once was --- and I do not necessarily accept that which is accepted as knowledge by the bulk of collector groups.

What I have noted amongst the people I know in Solo is that when a hilt is mated to a keris, the major considerations are all directed at achieving a harmonious visual presentation when the keris is worn.

The totality of the ensemble is considered when mating it to the person who is to wear it.

I would guess that weight distribution and point of balance could be a consideration for a dancer, or perhaps a silat practitioner, but in my experience it is not considered when preparing a keris for wear, nor for display, and those two matters are the principal ones considered in modern Jawa.

rasjid · 5th May 2011, 05:53 AM

Thank you Alan for the insight regarding your last post.
May be due to my other hobby that I have a few knives that I bought and make as well than this habit carry forward to my keris collecting that I like to handle a keris which also has a good balance at hand.

regards,
rasjid

5th May 2011, 12:49 AM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,085	Rasjid, I'm not too strong on what "knowledgeable collectors" consider to be correct. I do not consider myself a collector --- although I once was --- and I do not necessarily accept that which is accepted as knowledge by the bulk of collector groups. What I have noted amongst the people I know in Solo is that when a hilt is mated to a keris, the major considerations are all directed at achieving a harmonious visual presentation when the keris is worn. The totality of the ensemble is considered when mating it to the person who is to wear it. I would guess that weight distribution and point of balance could be a consideration for a dancer, or perhaps a silat practitioner, but in my experience it is not considered when preparing a keris for wear, nor for display, and those two matters are the principal ones considered in modern Jawa.

5th May 2011, 05:53 AM	#2
rasjid Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jakarta - Indonesia Posts: 114	Thank you Alan for the insight regarding your last post. May be due to my other hobby that I have a few knives that I bought and make as well than this habit carry forward to my keris collecting that I like to handle a keris which also has a good balance at hand. regards, rasjid