A keris from Buton

drdavid · 29th March 2006, 11:40 PM

Hi Bluerf and Alam
this is a very beginner question but can you explain the offset of the handle to the blade here, I am used to seeing the handle in the same plane as the axis of the blade.
thanks
DrD

BluErf · 30th March 2006, 01:21 PM

Hi David,

The angle of the hilt should be like this in order for the keris to be gripped properly.

The thumb and forefinger pinches on the picetan area on the keris blade while the remaining 3 fingers is wrapped round the hilt. When held parallel to the ground, the flat of the blade faces up.

It's the same concept as modern-day fencing sword pistol grips.

BluErf · 30th March 2006, 01:41 PM

Pic to illustrate.

Alam Shah · 31st March 2006, 12:47 AM

Hi drdavid,

See the pictures here. Note: Left-hander's grip. (right hand holding camera).

http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php

Battara · 31st March 2006, 01:30 AM

BluErf,

the hilt looks like low grade diamonds over gold washed copper. Am I right?

BluErf · 31st March 2006, 10:22 AM

Hi Battara,

Yep, its all rough-cut non-jewellery-grade diamonds, called "intarn" locally. Jewellery-grade diamonds are refered to as "brillian". The effect of the 'massed' intarns are still quite nice under bright lights. Kind of like a glitter-ball in a disco.

The base metal plates could be brass, I think. But you could be right that it's copper.

Battara · 1st April 2006, 09:16 PM

Thank you. Yes, brass would also give a greenish hue in places as well (the copper in it).

30th March 2006, 01:41 PM	#3
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Pic to illustrate. Attached Images

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29th March 2006, 11:40 PM	#1
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 372	Hi Bluerf and Alam this is a very beginner question but can you explain the offset of the handle to the blade here, I am used to seeing the handle in the same plane as the axis of the blade. thanks DrD

30th March 2006, 01:21 PM	#2
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Hi David, The angle of the hilt should be like this in order for the keris to be gripped properly. The thumb and forefinger pinches on the picetan area on the keris blade while the remaining 3 fingers is wrapped round the hilt. When held parallel to the ground, the flat of the blade faces up. It's the same concept as modern-day fencing sword pistol grips.

31st March 2006, 12:47 AM	#4
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	Hi drdavid, See the pictures here. Note: Left-hander's grip. (right hand holding camera). http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php

31st March 2006, 01:30 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,325	BluErf, the hilt looks like low grade diamonds over gold washed copper. Am I right?

31st March 2006, 10:22 AM	#6
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Hi Battara, Yep, its all rough-cut non-jewellery-grade diamonds, called "intarn" locally. Jewellery-grade diamonds are refered to as "brillian". The effect of the 'massed' intarns are still quite nice under bright lights. Kind of like a glitter-ball in a disco. The base metal plates could be brass, I think. But you could be right that it's copper.

1st April 2006, 09:16 PM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,325	Thank you. Yes, brass would also give a greenish hue in places as well (the copper in it).