"Buginees 'Executioners' Keris" for comment

[satsujinken]

very fascinating to see such unique keris like this

wonder how the harpoon like tip worked ...
as I logically think that harpoon like tip will be effective as stabbing weapon, but will not be so easy to pull out

or perhaps it is the actual purpose ? to create larger wound ?

[David]

Originally Posted by satsujinken

very fascinating to see such unique keris like this

wonder how the harpoon like tip worked ...
as I logically think that harpoon like tip will be effective as stabbing weapon, but will not be so easy to pull out

or perhaps it is the actual purpose ? to create larger wound ?

I don't think that this feature necessarily had a practical purpose. Given the amount of edge deterioration i'm not even sure this feature is original to the blade...

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by David

I don't think that this feature necessarily had a practical purpose. Given the amount of edge deterioration i'm not even sure this feature is original to the blade...

I thought that originally, but the shape although ragged through etching seems uniform and deliberate.
Only two barbs and they are symetrical.

[David]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

I thought that originally, but the shape although ragged through etching seems uniform and deliberate.
Only two barbs and they are symetrical.

Gene, i was implying that the "barbs" might have been added at a later date, and therefore, yes. deliberate...they could be original though, really hard to tell. I wouldn't exactly refer to them as "barbs" however. More like "bumps", but it is possible they were pointier once. Again, hard to tell.
As for origin, i would say this is most certainly not a Bugis keris and i agree with others who place it in Lombak or Bali. The sheath may have been made for the blade or it may have been re-fitted from an old sheath. As Rick has pointed out, it is not that unusual to find keris from one region fitted with a sheath from another. Certainly not an expert fit.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by David

Gene, i was implying that the "barbs" might have been added at a later date, and therefore, yes. deliberate...they could be original though, really hard to tell. I wouldn't exactly refer to them as "barbs" however. More like "bumps", but it is possible they were pointier once. Again, hard to tell.
As for origin, i would say this is most certainly not a Bugis keris and i agree with others who place it in Lombak or Bali. The sheath may have been made for the blade or it may have been re-fitted from an old sheath. As Rick has pointed out, it is not that unusual to find keris from one region fitted with a sheath from another. Certainly not an expert fit.

Thanks David,

*sighs* These darn Keris are mighty confusing for a novice like me at times!

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Thanks David,

*sighs* These darn Keris are mighty confusing for a novice like me at times!

I wouldn't kick it out of my collection, mate .

It looks like the blade has been in a different (from its home) keris bearing culture for some time .

[kai]

Hello Gene,

Congrats, that's really a very sweet blade!

I thought that originally, but the shape although ragged through etching seems uniform and deliberate.
Only two barbs and they are symetrical.

Yes, I also believe these are original - just a little corroded.

I am fairly sure I saw such a barb-like feature in keris Jawa but haven't been able to hit my notes/books yet. Alan, any suggestions?

Regards,
Kai