Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


59 - Indonesian Palembang (Southern Sumatran) Keris Dagger, Early 20th Century

The double edged blade measures just under 11 inches (27.6 cm) inclusive of the gonjo (though this appears likely to be one piece ganja iras construction) and is ever so slightly curved. The blade facets are slightly concave (hollowed) and the blade has a dark and fairly uniform patina. There is some mild to focally moderate pitting and also some edge damage including what appears to have been a forging defect beside an edge. The simple carved dark wooden hilt is set off by a loose embossed white metal selut with some damage by denting. The knife is 14¼ inches (36.2 cm) long and weighs 6.6 ounces (189 grams). The scabbard is of dark wood with a well carved wrangka and 3 embossed copper alloy (brass) bands and a somewhat battered terminal chape en suite. Overall sheathed length is 15 inches (38.2 cm) with a weight of 9¾ ounces (277 grams).


Indonesian Palembang Sumatran Keris Dagger

Indonesian Palembang Sumatran Keris Dagger

Indonesian Palembang Sumatran Keris Dagger

Indonesian Palembang Sumatran Keris Dagger

Indonesian Palembang Sumatran Keris Dagger



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