Two kerisses compared

[Jean]

Originally Posted by Johan van Zyl

Still I am confused as to the names used in describing the keris sheath. The T-shaped piece is called the warangka, the wooden centrepiece is called the gandar, the metal oversheath is called the pendok, the end-piece is called the buntut (depending on the type of keris and where applicable). Other Indonesian languages give different names.

BUT, is there a name/word for the WHOLE sheath (all sheath parts viewed together)?
Cheers
Johan

Hello Johan,
Yes, it is confusing. The name of the T-shape piece (crosspiece) of the sheath has a specific name in some islands (sampir in Sulawesi or Sumatra, angkup in Lombok, etc.) but is just called warangka in other areas.
And warangka is the generic name for the whole scabbard, with again some specific names in some islands (wanua in Sulawesi for instance).
Other opinions are welcome on this delicate subject.
Regards