Keris Coteng

Jean · 24th July 2015, 08:34 AM

Thanks Max. From my Indonesian kris collector's perspective, the beauty of these krisses is the hilt and the scabbard to a lesser degree but the blades are not very impressive .

Regards

maxbliss888 · 24th July 2015, 10:43 AM

I think the beauty of the Coteng lies in its history and the legacy of the Patanni Sultanate, that is no longer around.

Given then fact that the 4 Northern Malay states are now part of Thailand after British decision in 1909, with the integration and assimilation into the Thai culture and religion, many of the old traditions are slowly fading away. In fact, the Coteng Keris has become so rare that one hardly see it in the market and only in the collectors hands. Keris has become a lost art in Southern Thailand.

For those who love the nice blade, my guess is that the Keris from Indonesia may be a better option. For me, since I am working and staying in Thailand, my love for the Coteng lies in the fact that it is Thailand specific keris plus not many of these survive given the harsh environment here. Moreover, those Keris that I see are with collectors or families who keep them as family heirloom and heritage.

Just my 2 cents..

Jean · 24th July 2015, 01:32 PM

Yes Max, I fully understand your cultural point of view, mine was purely based on aesthetics and quality of craftsmanship, and it is just a personal opinion... Very interesting thread and reference anyway, many thanks!
Which are the 3 other Northern Malay states now part of Thailand?

Regards

maxbliss888 · 24th July 2015, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean

Yes Max, I fully understand your cultural point of view, mine was purely based on aesthetics and quality of craftsmanship, and it is just a personal opinion... Very interesting thread and reference anyway, many thanks!
Which are the 3 other Northern Malay states now part of Thailand?

Regards

Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala and parts of Songkhla. With the exception of Songkhla, many Thai classified the other 3 regions as dangerous owing to the occasional bombing.

I have just visited Songkhla and didn't see any Keris out in the open. One has to see via the collectors. I have spent months getting in contacts with many collectors and the photos above are almost the maximum I could see from the various friends and collectors. Owing to the assimilation into the Thai culture, not many of the tradition survive.

My guess is that the culture is still alive in some part of Indonesia and Malaysia. I went to Batam Indonesia and couldn't find any keris there too...

Nathaniel · 27th July 2015, 06:07 AM

Wow, maxbliss888, thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures and your experiences. This is a wonderful thread showing the diversity of Krit Malayeu often not seen outside of Thailand. What a treat! That is wonderful you have made these connections. Khorb Khun Krap

Nathaniel · 27th July 2015, 06:16 AM

Just something of interest...I took a picture of this Thai military insignia a few years back...I think the type pictured looks like a Tajong style.

maxbliss888 · 27th July 2015, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathaniel

Just something of interest...I took a picture of this Thai military insignia a few years back...I think the type pictured looks like a Tajong style.

Yes, it looks like the Tajong Keris. : )

24th July 2015, 10:43 AM	#2
maxbliss888 Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Bangkok Posts: 150	Coteng I think the beauty of the Coteng lies in its history and the legacy of the Patanni Sultanate, that is no longer around. Given then fact that the 4 Northern Malay states are now part of Thailand after British decision in 1909, with the integration and assimilation into the Thai culture and religion, many of the old traditions are slowly fading away. In fact, the Coteng Keris has become so rare that one hardly see it in the market and only in the collectors hands. Keris has become a lost art in Southern Thailand. For those who love the nice blade, my guess is that the Keris from Indonesia may be a better option. For me, since I am working and staying in Thailand, my love for the Coteng lies in the fact that it is Thailand specific keris plus not many of these survive given the harsh environment here. Moreover, those Keris that I see are with collectors or families who keep them as family heirloom and heritage. Just my 2 cents..

27th July 2015, 06:16 AM	#6
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Just something of interest...I took a picture of this Thai military insignia a few years back...I think the type pictured looks like a Tajong style. Attached Images

24th July 2015, 08:34 AM	#1
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Thanks Max. From my Indonesian kris collector's perspective, the beauty of these krisses is the hilt and the scabbard to a lesser degree but the blades are not very impressive . Regards

24th July 2015, 01:32 PM	#3
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Yes Max, I fully understand your cultural point of view, mine was purely based on aesthetics and quality of craftsmanship, and it is just a personal opinion... Very interesting thread and reference anyway, many thanks! Which are the 3 other Northern Malay states now part of Thailand? Regards

27th July 2015, 06:07 AM	#5
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Wow, maxbliss888, thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures and your experiences. This is a wonderful thread showing the diversity of Krit Malayeu often not seen outside of Thailand. What a treat! That is wonderful you have made these connections. Khorb Khun Krap