Philippene/Malay (?) kris with naga

Ian · 12th February 2021, 12:17 PM

Yep, I agree. Malay not Filipino.

Klop · 12th February 2021, 09:12 PM

thanks gentlemen! I have scanned the posts with sundang (there's a lot to read) and will dive deeper into it later, interesting new area for me.

In the pictures of examples I didn't see a naga head like this, doesn't appear to be a textbook example.

The peksi starts round at the base but is forged square, some remnants of resin on it. About the hole behind the naga mouth, do you think this is meant for a baca-baca or just decorative?

Klop · 12th February 2021, 09:22 PM

oh and what I forgot, any idea's on which part of Malaysia? North/north east Borneo?

Kind regards,
Eric.

Rick · 13th February 2021, 02:28 AM

The hole seems a bit incongruous in its relation to the Naga's head so it could have been for attachment of a baca baca, but I see no evidence on the blade to indicate it was used as such. The sword having a Ganja Wulung might complicate the attachment of the aforementioned piece.

Is the Ganja a separate piece?

kai · 13th February 2021, 04:50 AM

Hello Rick,

modern renditions of keris Naga often exhibit holes:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=23571

I don't think this hole was meant for fastening with a clamp.

Regards,
Kai

kai · 13th February 2021, 04:52 AM

BTW, good call to question the gonjo construction, Rick.

Based on the heavy pamor of the blade, I'd guess it is separate though...

Regards,
Kai

kai · 13th February 2021, 04:57 AM

Hello Eric,

As the others have mentioned, certainly not Moro work. Kris from Brunei seem to be very close to Sulu work, too.

I can't positively prove that this wasn't made on the Malay peninsula. Based on the features at the base of the blade, I'm inclined to believe that this piece was made by a Madurese pande...

IMHO, it would be interesting to stain the blade.

Regards,
Kai

12th February 2021, 12:17 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,423	Yep, I agree. Malay not Filipino.

12th February 2021, 09:12 PM	#2
Klop Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 63	thanks gentlemen! I have scanned the posts with sundang (there's a lot to read) and will dive deeper into it later, interesting new area for me. In the pictures of examples I didn't see a naga head like this, doesn't appear to be a textbook example. The peksi starts round at the base but is forged square, some remnants of resin on it. About the hole behind the naga mouth, do you think this is meant for a baca-baca or just decorative?

12th February 2021, 09:22 PM	#3
Klop Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 63	oh and what I forgot, any idea's on which part of Malaysia? North/north east Borneo? Kind regards, Eric.

13th February 2021, 02:28 AM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,343	The hole seems a bit incongruous in its relation to the Naga's head so it could have been for attachment of a baca baca, but I see no evidence on the blade to indicate it was used as such. The sword having a Ganja Wulung might complicate the attachment of the aforementioned piece. Is the Ganja a separate piece?

13th February 2021, 04:50 AM	#5
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Rick, modern renditions of keris Naga often exhibit holes: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=23571 I don't think this hole was meant for fastening with a clamp. Regards, Kai

13th February 2021, 04:52 AM	#6
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	BTW, good call to question the gonjo construction, Rick. Based on the heavy pamor of the blade, I'd guess it is separate though... Regards, Kai

13th February 2021, 04:57 AM	#7
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Eric, As the others have mentioned, certainly not Moro work. Kris from Brunei seem to be very close to Sulu work, too. I can't positively prove that this wasn't made on the Malay peninsula. Based on the features at the base of the blade, I'm inclined to believe that this piece was made by a Madurese pande... IMHO, it would be interesting to stain the blade. Regards, Kai