Keris found in Denmark

[VVV]

Thanks David and Flavio,

Yes Mads Lange was one of the first but several other Danes also visited the Archipelago.
When you see how many pictures I have on Kampungnet maybe you agree it's better to only upload a sample of each on the forum for those interested?

Look forward to your comments and corrections.

Michael

[David]

Oh, Michael, i wasn't suggesting you upload ALL of them.
Just a few of each, maybe an overall of the blade and a detail for instance.
I also agree that the Kalis is beautiful. Given it's greneng pattern and the very Indonesian sheath i wonder about the Sulu attribution.

[Ian]

Michael:

That Kalis Sulu is beautiful. The ivory kakatua is considerably smaller than most. Do you have any idea where this one originated? I'm wondering if it came from Brunei or Malaysia because it is somewhat atypical for a traditional Moro kris.

Lovely pieces all.

Ian.

[VVV]

Thanks Ian,

I suspect that it maybe could come from NW Borneo based on the motifs on the silver band. But that's just a guess and I still think it's Sulu.
Please convince me if that's not the case?

David,

Here are some additional blade pictures. They are in the same order as above. In case you want to watch them "the proper way" please go to Kampungnet or turn them in your viewer.

Michael

PS Something strange happened when uploading?
The order is now Sajen, Bugis, Terengganu, Bali and Sulu(?).

[Flavio]

Well, also the bali is wonderful!!!

[Ian]

I suspect that it maybe could come from NW Borneo based on the motifs on the silver band. But that's just a guess and I still think it's Sulu.
Please convince me if that's not the case?

Hi Michael:

The reason that I think it is odd for Sulu (that is, Moro) is the hilt: a smaller than average kakatua and the continuous silver wrap to the hilt which has an octagonal "tubular" apeparance. The usual form of Moro silver hilt dress would be circular or oval bands of silver that overlap. Also, there is a small "lip" to the silver handle sheath just above the gangya -- not commonlty seen on Moro weapons.

That said, there was a lot of interaction between the Sulu and Brunei Sultanates, so some diffusion of styles each way probably occurred. Indeed "Sulu" has sometimes been used to include Brunei, so we may be splitting hairs.

None of which alters the fact that it is a lovely kris.

Ian.

[VVV]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for your explanation.
I also find what you exemplify quite odd.
There is one Kris in Leiden, collected in Sulu, that looks like it has just as small pommel as mine.
It also looks like as if the hilt on the Kris "Andus" in E Banks article The Keris Sulok or Sundang, has an octagonal hilt (really dark pictures in that old article so hard to see for sure)?
And then I have this Kris in my collection, that I also thought was Sulu?

http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php

Maybe they are related?

On the lip I haven't found any other example yet with that feature?

Michael

PS Flavio, what's wrong with Bugis Keris?

[VVV]

Originally Posted by Ian

Michael:

That Kalis Sulu is beautiful. The ivory kakatua is considerably smaller than most. Do you have any idea where this one originated? I'm wondering if it came from Brunei or Malaysia because it is somewhat atypical for a traditional Moro kris.

Lovely pieces all.

Ian.

Ian,

I have been doing some research on this Kris but no success so far.
Maybe it is from Malaysia as you suggest?
I found this illustration (blew up the relevant part of it) of Sultan Abdullah and chiefs of Perak from 1878.

Michael