A Question About Gonjos

A. G. Maisey · 15th December 2023, 08:06 PM

What is the problem David?

I cannot see any real problem in the photo.

Yes, there is a gap between the blade body & the gonjo, this is not at all unusual in older keris, and even in recent keris which have not been carefully made.

By dismounting the gonjo & refitting it this gap can very probably be reduced, but this is not a job that should be undertaken by somebody who does not possess the necessary skills.

In Indonesia, the modern approach is simply to fill the gap with two part epoxy + black artists powder + iron filings. This is not an approach that I approve of or recommend.

David R · 15th December 2023, 10:47 PM

The gonjo has actually become loose, separated even. I will not rush into dealing with it, but concentrate on getting the blade dressed for now.

A. G. Maisey · 16th December 2023, 02:14 AM

David, the gonjo needs to be fixed in place before you try to get dress for the keris.

You're not looking at a big job just to fix it into place, ten, fifteen minutes tops.

To demount and refit in order to eliminate the gap, you are looking at serious time & committment.

But that gonjo must be tightened up before you think about dress, finding suitable dress could take quite a while, depending on where you are.

15th December 2023, 08:06 PM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,047	What is the problem David? I cannot see any real problem in the photo. Yes, there is a gap between the blade body & the gonjo, this is not at all unusual in older keris, and even in recent keris which have not been carefully made. By dismounting the gonjo & refitting it this gap can very probably be reduced, but this is not a job that should be undertaken by somebody who does not possess the necessary skills. In Indonesia, the modern approach is simply to fill the gap with two part epoxy + black artists powder + iron filings. This is not an approach that I approve of or recommend.

15th December 2023, 10:47 PM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,123	The gonjo has actually become loose, separated even. I will not rush into dealing with it, but concentrate on getting the blade dressed for now.

16th December 2023, 02:14 AM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,047	David, the gonjo needs to be fixed in place before you try to get dress for the keris. You're not looking at a big job just to fix it into place, ten, fifteen minutes tops. To demount and refit in order to eliminate the gap, you are looking at serious time & committment. But that gonjo must be tightened up before you think about dress, finding suitable dress could take quite a while, depending on where you are.