Help with Keris ID?

Bill · 9th June 2005, 09:28 PM

I'm assuming that the original smith is likely to make his own tools. His limitations are going to be of both skill & tools. Although other craftsmen may have been involved in file work, I would think that would be on pieces of more value. I recall reading that in one Bone city alone of an estimate of over 200 smiths. Not all of these smiths would be making keris, but there must have been a number of smiths, of various degrees, one could commission a keris. If one could not afford good file work, you might have to settle for a "beak" or whatever it is, I'm sure it was of some importance to someone. It really doesn't look like much more was ever there, more cheisel work, than file work. The "Luwa" may well have been the norm, of the metal used when this piece was made. The 14" blade strikes me as keris that would be carried by someone who needed a weapon, maybe even more than a spritual aid.

9th June 2005, 09:28 PM	#18
Bill Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago area Posts: 327	I'm assuming that the original smith is likely to make his own tools. His limitations are going to be of both skill & tools. Although other craftsmen may have been involved in file work, I would think that would be on pieces of more value. I recall reading that in one Bone city alone of an estimate of over 200 smiths. Not all of these smiths would be making keris, but there must have been a number of smiths, of various degrees, one could commission a keris. If one could not afford good file work, you might have to settle for a "beak" or whatever it is, I'm sure it was of some importance to someone. It really doesn't look like much more was ever there, more cheisel work, than file work. The "Luwa" may well have been the norm, of the metal used when this piece was made. The 14" blade strikes me as keris that would be carried by someone who needed a weapon, maybe even more than a spritual aid.