Terengganu Keris with a Nicely Carved Sarong (Sheath)

F. de Luzon · 27th March 2017, 10:53 AM

Hello David and Kai,

Actually, I took the word of the seller that it came from Terengganu. He told me that it was not a good blade but he explained that the carving on the hilt and sheath was unusual. He also admitted that it is not an antique but recommended it as a good souvenir.

In light of Kai's comment, I just remembered when I asked the seller what the kerises he was selling were for, his first reply was "weddings" then "souvenir." So you are right in your last comment, David. This particular object is more than a souvenir item.

What makes this beautiful is the carving on the hilt and sheath. Since this keris serves "a dress purpose" and there is no need to unsheathe the blade, the blade attached is ordinary. This is the case with ceremonial Moro kris with very fancy hilts and scabbards but with ordinary blades. I hope some of our Malaysian co-members can verify if this observation is correct for if so, it shows a shared practice among Moros and Malaysians.

I'm just sharing an example of a Malaysian keris (purportedly from Terengganu) with an interesting hilt and sheath. It is a cultural object that serves as a remembrance of a very special occasion among Malay families. This particular keris may not be meant for some keris collectors but its presence on this forum can educate budding keris collectors, scholars and enthusiasts in distinguishing Malaysian keris blade quality. I think that deepening the understanding of weapons as cultural objects and educating those who want to learn are important roles this ethnographic forum serves. This keris is also a cultural item showing the fusion of two traditional Malaysian handicrafts in one object. Proof that Malaysians are continuing to define their distinct keris tradition.

Kind regards,

F. de Luzon

27th March 2017, 10:53 AM	#3
F. de Luzon Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 184	Hello David and Kai, Actually, I took the word of the seller that it came from Terengganu. He told me that it was not a good blade but he explained that the carving on the hilt and sheath was unusual. He also admitted that it is not an antique but recommended it as a good souvenir. In light of Kai's comment, I just remembered when I asked the seller what the kerises he was selling were for, his first reply was "weddings" then "souvenir." So you are right in your last comment, David. This particular object is more than a souvenir item. What makes this beautiful is the carving on the hilt and sheath. Since this keris serves "a dress purpose" and there is no need to unsheathe the blade, the blade attached is ordinary. This is the case with ceremonial Moro kris with very fancy hilts and scabbards but with ordinary blades. I hope some of our Malaysian co-members can verify if this observation is correct for if so, it shows a shared practice among Moros and Malaysians. I'm just sharing an example of a Malaysian keris (purportedly from Terengganu) with an interesting hilt and sheath. It is a cultural object that serves as a remembrance of a very special occasion among Malay families. This particular keris may not be meant for some keris collectors but its presence on this forum can educate budding keris collectors, scholars and enthusiasts in distinguishing Malaysian keris blade quality. I think that deepening the understanding of weapons as cultural objects and educating those who want to learn are important roles this ethnographic forum serves. This keris is also a cultural item showing the fusion of two traditional Malaysian handicrafts in one object. Proof that Malaysians are continuing to define their distinct keris tradition. Kind regards, F. de Luzon Last edited by F. de Luzon; 27th March 2017 at 11:57 AM.