Quote:
Originally Posted by RobT
I can’t believe I neglected to give the blade length. It’s 8.5” (21.59 cm)
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"If the folks in Java fit a full size hilt to a short blade to make the ensemble work with a full size sheath, I think it is reasonably likely that the practice is followed in other areas of the keris world. It’s the way I’m going, for sure."
Well, the thing is this isn't just a "short keris". As far as i know there is not any evidence of patrem (small women's keris) in Malay culture. That is something you find in Jawa and Madura mostly. At 8.5" it is almost certainly intended as a keris selit. Again, i think it is more likely that this dress came together inorder to sell the keris, not as an ensemble that was intended to actually be worn in culture. Yes, perhaps the hilt seems somewhat OK with the size of the hilt. Perhaps it is not even the original hilt for that blade.
I don't think this should change your plans for this keris in its current dress, but i am fairly sure this was once is a much smaller sheath and an may or may not have had a different hilt, though this current hilt doesn't really look too large for this blade and frankly does look just a bit too small for the current sheath.