Description

An old keris from Madura. The straight blade with a gentle widening in the center before tapering to a sharp point.

To wash or not to wash

It wasn't recently "washed", like many keris are, a procedure which in my opinion is being executed too harshly today and in most cases is found to ruin the surface of these old blades.

Instead, this example retained an original, old finish, with the nickel-rich pamor layers standing out in high relief over the iron. I strongly urge a buyer to keep it "as is". The number of kerisses retaining some form of the original finish is diminished daily and will continue to shrink.

Hilt

It has a carved hardwood hilt of abstract form, carved with floral motifs, and with a beautiful deep patina. The hilt’s cup, called pendokok is made of brass and copper with applied brass wire.

Condition

There is a cut in the blade near the tip, possibly from contact with another weapon.

No scabbard.