Bugis Keris?

Sajen · 3rd May 2015, 06:43 AM

A very unusual Palembang keris. Is the scabbard lacquered?

blue lander · 3rd May 2015, 03:53 PM

The auction doesn't mention if it's laquered but it does look like it. Here's a closeup of the scabbard.

I find it odd that the tip of the blade is so dull too. I wonder if it was made that way or if the original tip snapped off or something.

Dimensions from auction description:

Blade: 15 1/4"
OAL: 19 1/16"
OAL In sheath: 20 3/4"

David · 3rd May 2015, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue lander

I find it odd that the tip of the blade is so dull too. I wonder if it was made that way or if the original tip snapped off or something.

The keris is intended to be a stabbing weapon. My guess would be that the tip was reshaped after damage or erosion.

Bjorn · 3rd May 2015, 07:22 PM

The hilt to me looks like a very abstract and stylized representation of a hilt form that is often attributed to the Lampung area of Sumatra.

As for Bugis influences, I can't see any of those in any part of this keris. The dress, as far as I know, could be from the Lampung area as well as Palembang.

Sajen · 3rd May 2015, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuuzan

The hilt to me looks like a very abstract and stylized representation of a hilt form that is often attributed to the Lampung area of Sumatra.

As for Bugis influences, I can't see any of those in any part of this keris. The dress, as far as I know, could be from the Lampung area as well as Palembang.

I agree with you by the first statement. The pendokok is Bugis. The scabbard is like you said correct for both areas.
I've seen this keris by ebay but the strange hilt and the obviously painted scabbard and hilt let me stay away from this keris.

Regards,
Detlef

Bjorn · 3rd May 2015, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

I agree with you by the first statement. The pendokok is Bugis. The scabbard is like you said correct for both areas.
I've seen this keris by ebay but the strange hilt and the obviously painted scabbard and hilt let me stay away from this keris.

Regards,
Detlef

Thank you for the addition, Detlef. I wrote in haste and am not very familiar with the different styles of pendokok.

blue lander · 4th May 2015, 12:55 AM

I wonder why they painted/lacquered it...

Does the blade itself look okay?

Rick · 4th May 2015, 01:24 AM

There is an old saying among Housepainters: putty and paint make it is what it ain't .

Then again, there could be nice wood underneath all that; maybe strong light will tell you when you receive it .

I wonder about the meaning (or not) of the two dimples that were put in the sorsoran .

I think the blade is genuinely old .

3rd May 2015, 03:53 PM	#2
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	The auction doesn't mention if it's laquered but it does look like it. Here's a closeup of the scabbard. I find it odd that the tip of the blade is so dull too. I wonder if it was made that way or if the original tip snapped off or something. Dimensions from auction description: Blade: 15 1/4" OAL: 19 1/16" OAL In sheath: 20 3/4" Attached Images

3rd May 2015, 07:22 PM	#4
Bjorn Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 188	The hilt to me looks like a very abstract and stylized representation of a hilt form that is often attributed to the Lampung area of Sumatra. As for Bugis influences, I can't see any of those in any part of this keris. The dress, as far as I know, could be from the Lampung area as well as Palembang. Attached Images

3rd May 2015, 06:43 AM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,417	A very unusual Palembang keris. Is the scabbard lacquered?

4th May 2015, 12:55 AM	#7
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	I wonder why they painted/lacquered it... Does the blade itself look okay?

4th May 2015, 01:24 AM	#8
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	There is an old saying among Housepainters: putty and paint make it is what it ain't . Then again, there could be nice wood underneath all that; maybe strong light will tell you when you receive it . I wonder about the meaning (or not) of the two dimples that were put in the sorsoran . I think the blade is genuinely old .