Ganja iras

[rumpel9]

Greetings to all keris enthusiasts. In your opinion, does the ganja that forms a single whole with the keris blade (ganja iras) carry any special meaning or indicate certain features of the keris? Here I mean:

an indication of a particular period style (tanggu)

the area of use, e.g., a combat keris

a regional characteristic (more common in some places, less so in others)

a specific feature of a certain group of Empu, for example, rural ones — not associated with the keraton

some sacred meaning. Let me clarify my thought: the ganja was symbolically considered the ‘female’ element, while the blade was the ‘male’ element;
their union had a ritual-cosmological significance.
When a ganja iras is made, the boundary between these two principles disappears — everything becomes a single whole.

[Interested Party]

At the risk of proving my self a fool...with my very limited knowledge I associate the feature with Sumatra.

[rumpel9]

Originally Posted by Interested Party

At the risk of proving my self a fool...with my very limited knowledge I associate the feature with Sumatra.

Do you mean the kerises of South Sumatra (Palembang, Lampung)?

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Interested Party

At the risk of proving my self a fool...with my very limited knowledge I associate the feature with Sumatra.

Not only IP!

Yes, Palembang keris with gangja iras are somewhat common but they also pop up at other spots.
First example Java/Madura, second one Palembang, third is Bugis. And I think I have seen Balinese keris with gonjo iras as well.
I believe I have heard or read that a *Gonjo Iras* blade symbolizes the phallus of Shiva.

Regards,
Detlef

[Rick]

Here's my Iras blade.
I have a feeling, that due to the size (15") and polish, it may be from Lombok.

[Gustav]

Yes, many Gonjo Iras Keris from Lombok.
Detlef, the blade in your Straits Bugis sheath likely also comes from South Sumatra. Hilt looks like Sulawesi Bugis.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Gustav

Yes, many Gonjo Iras Keris from Lombok.
Detlef, the blade in your Straits Bugis sheath likely also comes from South Sumatra. Hilt looks like Sulawesi Bugis.

Hello Gustav,

Possibly, got the blade with scabbard only a long time ago on Bali from a Bugis man.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=Bugis

Regards,
Detlef