Makasar-Gowa type keris

adamb · 3rd September 2025, 01:33 AM

Thanks David.

There were two other Makasar-Goa keris on display, these ones both with gold fittings, and in the same style as those in the images you've kindly posted. But again, the blades, while most likely old, are quite different from the blades in your pic and the longer one with 5 luk is quite distinctly, to me eye, a high end South Sulawesi Bugis twistcore blade that is probably of relatively recent origin.

I wonder whether, in the case of these two gold keris, these are: 1) period fittings (i.e., 16th-17th century) with new(ish) locally made blades; or 2) very well made 'modern' ensembles--and by 'modern' I mean still likely to be very old but not 16th-17th century as is no doubt the case in your keris pics.

I should note the gold keris with the sapukala blade is owned by a person of very considerable repute in South Sulawesi, and is worth a king's ransom.

Rick · 3rd September 2025, 06:22 AM

I see a figure on all the gold wrongkos; am I looking at depictions of Garuda?
If I am why does it seem almost obligatory to include it on all of them?
What is the symbolism?

David · 3rd September 2025, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

I see a figure on all the gold wrongkos; am I looking at depictions of Garuda?
If I am why does it seem almost obligatory to include it on all of them?
What is the symbolism?

That's a good question Rick. I believe Garuda is the probable answer to who this figure is given what appear to be wings. Of course Garuda is a Hindu deity who was know to be, as the divine eagle, the vehicle for Vishnu. So this symbolism predates Islam in the region. However, as with many elements from the Mojohaphit, aspects of Hinduism remain strong in Indonesia. In fact, the national emblem of Indonesia incorporates the symbolism of Garuda.

Rick · 3rd September 2025, 08:49 PM

Another thing I noticed about the handles, the figure has one leg over his other knee. I don't think I have seen this in other keris culture handles.

I'd also love to see the pamor pattern on the Sepokal keris, it looks quite convoluted and is very hard to see from the photograph.

adamb · 4th September 2025, 05:51 AM

Hi Rick

Yes the figure seems to represent Arjuna (and/or Bhima), one of the five Pandava Brothers.

Sorry for the rubbish pics, taken on my handphone - I don't have any better ones of the blades.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Another thing I noticed about the handles, the figure has one leg over his other knee. I don't think I have seen this in other keris culture handles.

I'd also love to see the pamor pattern on the Sepokal keris, it looks quite convoluted and is very hard to see from the photograph.

Rick · 4th September 2025, 04:53 PM

It's very hard to get really clear pictures from a museum that keeps glass between the viewer and object. Thanks Adam.

3rd September 2025, 01:33 AM	#1
adamb Member Join Date: Oct 2024 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 47	Thanks David. There were two other Makasar-Goa keris on display, these ones both with gold fittings, and in the same style as those in the images you've kindly posted. But again, the blades, while most likely old, are quite different from the blades in your pic and the longer one with 5 luk is quite distinctly, to me eye, a high end South Sulawesi Bugis twistcore blade that is probably of relatively recent origin. I wonder whether, in the case of these two gold keris, these are: 1) period fittings (i.e., 16th-17th century) with new(ish) locally made blades; or 2) very well made 'modern' ensembles--and by 'modern' I mean still likely to be very old but not 16th-17th century as is no doubt the case in your keris pics. I should note the gold keris with the sapukala blade is owned by a person of very considerable repute in South Sulawesi, and is worth a king's ransom. Attached Images

3rd September 2025, 06:22 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	I see a figure on all the gold wrongkos; am I looking at depictions of Garuda? If I am why does it seem almost obligatory to include it on all of them? What is the symbolism?

3rd September 2025, 08:49 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	Another thing I noticed about the handles, the figure has one leg over his other knee. I don't think I have seen this in other keris culture handles. I'd also love to see the pamor pattern on the Sepokal keris, it looks quite convoluted and is very hard to see from the photograph.

4th September 2025, 04:53 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	It's very hard to get really clear pictures from a museum that keeps glass between the viewer and object. Thanks Adam.