Bronze keris ?

[David]

So Donny, it the seller's story more potent than your own senses and suspicions?

[mariusgmioc]

I don't get it?!

What's such a big deal to make a blade of bronze?!

I guess one can make a Keris blade even of aluminium, solid gold, or even plastic but does this automatically make it an authentic and collectable keris?!

Albeit I wouldn't mind collecting kerises made of solid gold.

[Jean]

Interesting blade, it does not look very recent from the pics, you can see the cleaning product deposits left in the cavities. The style is rather PB than Mataram? Twenty years ago the TMII Museum Pusaka used to sell some quite good and certified krisses.
Regards

[David]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

I don't get it?!

What's such a big deal to make a blade of bronze?!

I guess one can make a Keris blade even of aluminium, solid gold, or even plastic but does this automatically make it an authentic and collectable keris?!

Albeit I wouldn't mind collecting kerises made of solid gold.

Actual Marius, old bronze keris are a real thing and may in some ways be more valuable to a collector of keris than one made of solid gold.
The real question here would be is this a legitimate old bronze keris. I have some serious doubts.

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by David

Actual Marius, old bronze keris are a real thing and may in some ways be more valuable to a collector of keris than one made of solid gold.
The real question here would be is this a legitimate old bronze keris. I have some serious doubts.

Thank you David for the explanation!

I would still prefer a gold Keris to a bronze one.

[mariusgmioc]

Regarding the age of the Keris, my bet is on very recent production by casting.

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes.

[Battara]

My question is would the bronze make this more powerful or talismanic than the usual kris?

[A. G. Maisey]

Not really, the smith working in iron is a magician, a wizard, who can take sand and turn it into something else, something with a soul. He is closely associated with the concept of death and rebirth. In a farming society in particular he is almost on a direct line to the Gods.

However, bronze keris are rare and an old bronze keris was very probably used in blood sacrifice.

New or recent bronze keris are made by re-cycling damaged gamelan instruments.

[David]

Originally Posted by Battara

My question is would the bronze make this more powerful or talismanic than the usual kris?

I believe that would all depend on the intent and purpose of the keris. I belief that Alan has suggested that bronze may have been used in certain keris because it was seen as a more appropriate metal for a blade used in blood sacrifice. However that is a more practical, albeit spiritual use for a blade, not necessarily talismanic. I could be wrong, but i am not sure there is any metal considered to hold more talismanic properties in this part of the world than iron. But if you are Hindu and making a blood sacrifice bronze might be preferable.
Marius, the only reason i might personally prefer a solid gold keris would be to melt it down and sell the ingot to buy an authentic old bronze one, which i gather are somewhat rarer than ones of gold. AFAIK no other metals are considered appropriate for a true keris other than iron and bronze. A gold one would be nothing more than sculpted money, yes? Does anyone have any photos of a bronze blade that could be considered authentic? If so it would be great to see one here.

[satsujinken]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Yes.

so my guess is right ? kamardikan ?

I believed the previous owner used metal cleaners to clean the blade, but hey, the metal do looked like metal used in gamelan

Would you mind explaining more about bronze keris and blood sacrifice, Alan ?

thank you in advance


Donny

[David]

Thanks for posting that example Alan.

[satsujinken]

Originally Posted by David

So Donny, it the seller's story more potent than your own senses and suspicions?

nah, I always buy the blade, not the story
but I do have my limitations when it comes to knowledge and experience. That's why I come here


Donny