Keris for comment

[Loedjoe]

I acquired this some month ago, and on seeing Atlantia's (much better) one was struck by the similarity of the pamor. Would this also be adeg sapu?
It seemed to me that the rather crude hilt on mine may be a recent replacement. Comments from the experts would be welcome.

[tunggulametung]

Originally Posted by Loedjoe

I acquired this some month ago, and on seeing Atlantia's (much better) one was struck by the similarity of the pamor. Would this also be adeg sapu?
It seemed to me that the rather crude hilt on mine may be a recent replacement. Comments from the experts would be welcome.

Yes, I would call this pamor adeg sapu. Similar to this but much finer lines were called adeg mrambut (rambut=hair).
Not an expert here but I think the hilt is original to the blade (the only hilt the blade has ever been fitted) or at least has been with the blade long enough. The simple hilt (without details) is common to East Java region. Hilt cup is also regionally correct. I notice (human?) hair on the pesi, this is an old practice. Hilt orientation is normally (traditionally) perpendicular with the blade (should be twisted 90 degrees clockwise) but this can be personal preference. Simple but handsome old keris. Congratulations!

[Atlantia]

Hi Loedjoe,

Nice Keris, thanks for sharing.
So would this be from the same place as mine? If so, what is the reason that some are straight and some have luks?
Best
Gene

[tunggulametung]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Hi Loedjoe,

Nice Keris, thanks for sharing.
So would this be from the same place as mine? If so, what is the reason that some are straight and some have luks?
Best
Gene

I believe so.
Now that is a good question, but in simple words it may be made to satisfy product mix as in marketing, to fit certain dapur (style) for known or unknown reasons, for artistic reasons, for esoteric reasons, etc.

[A. G. Maisey]

The reason that keris have a variety of forms, both straight and waved, varies depending upon the period when the keris was made.

[David]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

The reason that keris have a variety of forms, both straight and waved, varies depending upon the period when the keris was made.

Can you give some examples of this Alan, based upon one or a few specific periods of time?

[A. G. Maisey]

As Tunggalametung has commented, product mix is very probably a valid explanation for keris produced during the current era.

As I believe many of us already know, talismanic properties of keris played a role in the decision of dhapur and pamor selection during some past eras.

There were other reasons for keris form at various other times, and at the moment I would prefer not to comment further on this matter.

The important thing to realise is this:- the nature of the keris has not been constant and unchanging during its very lengthy existence. When we consider the nature of the keris it must be considered within a particular time frame.

[tunggulametung]

Originally Posted by David

Can you give some examples of this .....based upon one or a few specific periods of time?

Hello David, I think Alan made an important point which I missed, to which I'm agree. I also would like to add that perhaps the reason may also differ regionally. It may be difficult to be certain regarding exact date or year, and exact reason. But here is a very simple example. Keris with 3 luk (I'm speaking about Jangkung) was once known to have a positive energy for youth who is studying, working or starting a new life etc in a distant land (incidentally? many Minang keris have 3 luks, and Minagkabau people are well known as immigrant). Now keris with 3 luks may be made nothing more than just to satisfy that story (demand/product mix plays its part here) and maybe bought by someone without the same intention as people from the past. Something like that. I hope this make sense.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by tunggulametung

I believe so.
Now that is a good question, but in simple words it may be made to satisfy product mix as in marketing, to fit certain dapur (style) for known or unknown reasons, for artistic reasons, for esoteric reasons, etc.

I'm beginning to see why you Keris chaps like them so much. They are rather subtle and beautiful things.

[Loedjoe]

Thank you very much, tunggulametung, for your most helpful information and kind remarks.

[tunggulametung]

Not at all Loedjoe