Pattern Welded Straight Kris

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Rick,

Do you think this is a Malay kris? Can you amplify?

The hilt looks typical Maranao work, especially with the crenalated metal ring just below the pommel, while the "elephant trunk area" does not look like Malay examples I have seen previously.

The link to a royal pamor is an intriguing observation given the high level of craftsmanship for the forging that went into this blade.

Ian.

Hi Ian,
No I can't amplify; just thinking out loud.
Thinking out loud again, maybe if it were a Malay sword there might be a closer tie to Javanese keris traditions.

Yeah, I know it doesn't look particularly Malay.
I have always wondered if this 'Maranao' pommel form comes from trying to salvage what is left of a broken Kakatua.
Heresy, I know...