Missing "gems"

shayde78 · 15th April 2022, 05:13 AM

Hello everyone,

It has been a while since I last had something to share with you, but I would appreciate your opinions. I very recently acquired this keris, and I am curious if the holes drilled into the Hulu indicate places where glass or stones would have been mounted?

As always, any additional feedback is greatly appreciated. These pictures were taken immediately after receiving. I have not changed anything, removed the hulu, or messed around with it at all. One thing I will note is the ganja is a little loose.

Thank you greatly for any insights you can share.

shayde78 · 15th April 2022, 05:15 AM

Apologies - the orientation of these photos seems to have changed when I uploaded. They are all meant to have the tip of the blade pointing upwards. I'm not sure how to fix since the original photos on my end are oriented correctly but got turner 90° when uploaded.

Jean · 15th April 2022, 09:03 AM

There were no gems IMO, but just decorative holes. This is an old Madurese hilt in kojuk mrenges style and made from ivory?

David · 16th April 2022, 01:57 PM

I agree with Jean about the holes. But there are aspects of this material that make me wonder if it isn't bone rather than ivory.

Jean · 16th April 2022, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

I agree with Jean about the holes. But there are aspects of this material that make me wonder if it isn't bone rather than ivory.

Yes David, you are probably correct as there seems to be a repair (cap) on the top part.
Shayde, if you can free the hilt, please show us the pesi hole for checking its condition (pitting or not).
Regards

shayde78 · 16th April 2022, 11:12 PM

Thank you, Jean and David,

Below are the additional photos.

Additional details, the hulu is 1.5 ounces in weight
The blade with mendak is 8.5 ounces
In total, the entire assemblage is 16 inches (41cm).
It certainly has a hefty feel in the hand.

There appears to be an insert in the pesi hole. Wood, perhaps? I suspect you both would have a better idea what materials would be employed in such a construction.

I am always conservative in determining if something is bone or ivory. I assume bone, unless there is some definitive feature to suggest otherwise.

Thanks again!
-Rob

15th April 2022, 05:13 AM	#1
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 443	Missing "gems" Hello everyone, It has been a while since I last had something to share with you, but I would appreciate your opinions. I very recently acquired this keris, and I am curious if the holes drilled into the Hulu indicate places where glass or stones would have been mounted? As always, any additional feedback is greatly appreciated. These pictures were taken immediately after receiving. I have not changed anything, removed the hulu, or messed around with it at all. One thing I will note is the ganja is a little loose. Thank you greatly for any insights you can share. Attached Images

16th April 2022, 11:12 PM	#6
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 443	Thank you, Jean and David, Below are the additional photos. Additional details, the hulu is 1.5 ounces in weight The blade with mendak is 8.5 ounces In total, the entire assemblage is 16 inches (41cm). It certainly has a hefty feel in the hand. There appears to be an insert in the pesi hole. Wood, perhaps? I suspect you both would have a better idea what materials would be employed in such a construction. I am always conservative in determining if something is bone or ivory. I assume bone, unless there is some definitive feature to suggest otherwise. Thanks again! -Rob Attached Images

15th April 2022, 05:15 AM	#2
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 443	Apologies - the orientation of these photos seems to have changed when I uploaded. They are all meant to have the tip of the blade pointing upwards. I'm not sure how to fix since the original photos on my end are oriented correctly but got turner 90° when uploaded.

15th April 2022, 09:03 AM	#3
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	There were no gems IMO, but just decorative holes. This is an old Madurese hilt in kojuk mrenges style and made from ivory?

16th April 2022, 01:57 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,027	I agree with Jean about the holes. But there are aspects of this material that make me wonder if it isn't bone rather than ivory.