OPINIONS ABOUT THIS KERIS

David · 10th December 2006, 02:23 PM

Frankly, that is a good question Carlos. I do see keris like this from time to time and i believe there is an example of this type of dress in Frey's book, though he doesn't have much to say. They do always seem to me attributed to Borneo. The question in my mind is whether this is a legitimate ethnographic dress for a particular tribe or merely a touristy thing. It is certainly a very "primitive" approach for keris decoration. Also, whenever i see these both the dress and the blade are always in poor condition, as if they came from a culture that doesn't take the usual ritual care of their keris.
My guess would be that both the blade and the sheath were made in Jawa and ended up in Borneo as trade to be decorated locally.

Henk · 10th December 2006, 05:19 PM

Carlos,

The description of the seller is probably the right description. Mostly you see these dress for the mandau with very bright painting. You see them for keris as well with the same bright paint. Those are made for the tourist.

The one you bought is a real original old one painted with natural colors. Mostly they say it comes from Borneo but these keris come from New Guinea. As David said imported from Java painted and decorated with teeth and hair, mostly goat.

Congrats with this find.

10th December 2006, 02:23 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	Frankly, that is a good question Carlos. I do see keris like this from time to time and i believe there is an example of this type of dress in Frey's book, though he doesn't have much to say. They do always seem to me attributed to Borneo. The question in my mind is whether this is a legitimate ethnographic dress for a particular tribe or merely a touristy thing. It is certainly a very "primitive" approach for keris decoration. Also, whenever i see these both the dress and the blade are always in poor condition, as if they came from a culture that doesn't take the usual ritual care of their keris. My guess would be that both the blade and the sheath were made in Jawa and ended up in Borneo as trade to be decorated locally. Last edited by David; 10th December 2006 at 03:15 PM.

10th December 2006, 05:19 PM	#2
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Carlos, The description of the seller is probably the right description. Mostly you see these dress for the mandau with very bright painting. You see them for keris as well with the same bright paint. Those are made for the tourist. The one you bought is a real original old one painted with natural colors. Mostly they say it comes from Borneo but these keris come from New Guinea. As David said imported from Java painted and decorated with teeth and hair, mostly goat. Congrats with this find.