Description
A RARE AMULET KERIS (JIMAT) North Sumatra, Gayo, 17th /18th c. L. 40 cm Very early amulet keris (jimat) which, in contrast to more recent examples of this type, is a fully-fledged and high-quality keris. The strong, dark patinated blade can be attributed to the Riau and Lingga region (Central Sumatra), which was once known for its blade production. You can still recognise the precise, careful pit cut under the strong ganja (cross-piece). The sloping greneng teeth, also known from Pattani keris (tahjong), are typical. Slender, strong blades of this type (jenis bahari) used to be incorrectly referred to as "execution kerises", but are probably a reaction to European weapons (rapiers, field rapiers), which have been known in this form since the 16th century. Ottoman weapons may also have played a role here.The ivory grip of the jawa demam type (shiva-tantric gana figure in lalita posture, abstracted according to Muslim standards) shows strong traces of long wear, but is free of damage and well preserved. Applications of red coral are recognisable in places, especially at the base of the handle, where the yoni symbol (vagina) of Shiva's shakti is usually found. The long handle ring under the round cap is "typically Sumatran" and is made of suassa (silver-copper alloy). The scabbard can be described as a small work of art in its own right. The scabbard sheath gandar is covered with fine, florally embossed silver, with the lower part reinforced by a dense silver wire wrapping (relatively strong scabbards could also be used as parrying aids if necessary). A stylised auspicious motif (medicine horn) can be seen on the back; in addition, conical auspicious silver sheet applications are attached to chains, indicating Karo-Batak work (Gayo and Batak maintained good relations). The tinkling repels evil influences. A beautiful star ruby adorns the amulet basket made of silver bars at the front, which contains magical stones. The foot of the scabbard is formed by an inserted ivory crosspiece. Very rare, high-calibre Gayo keris as a complete unit, which has been given a fine, smooth feel and great charm by long wear. Kerises like this were also worn by high-ranking shamanesses in Gayo, Padang and Alas. From an old German private collection, assembled since the 1950s - Minor wear due to age, blade and metal mounting of the hilt slightly chipped Lit.: Ghiringhelli, V. und M. (1991): Kris gli Invincibili /The Invincible Kris. Milano. - Harsrinuksmo, S., Lumintu, W. (1998): Ensoklopedi Budaya Nasional. Jakarta. - Hidayat, M. M. (2013): Keris Indonesia. Estetika dan Magna Filosifi (Aethetics and Philosophical Meaning). Yogjakarta
1545
A RARE AMULET KERIS (JIMAT) North Sumatra, Gayo, 17th /18th c. L. 40 cm Very early amulet keris (jimat) which, in contrast to more recent examples of this type, is a fully-fledged and high-quality keris. The strong, dark patinated blade can be attributed to the Riau and Lingga region (Central Sumatra), which was once known for its blade production. You can still recognise the precise, careful pit cut under the strong ganja (cross-piece). The sloping greneng teeth, also known from Pattani keris (tahjong), are typical. Slender, strong blades of this type (jenis bahari) used to be incorrectly referred to as "execution kerises", but are probably a reaction to European weapons (rapiers, field rapiers), which have been known in this form since the 16th century. Ottoman weapons may also have played a role here.The ivory grip of the jawa demam type (shiva-tantric gana figure in lalita posture, abstracted according to Muslim standards) shows strong traces of long wear, but is free of damage and well preserved. Applications of red coral are recognisable in places, especially at the base of the handle, where the yoni symbol (vagina) of Shiva's shakti is usually found. The long handle ring under the round cap is "typically Sumatran" and is made of suassa (silver-copper alloy). The scabbard can be described as a small work of art in its own right. The scabbard sheath gandar is covered with fine, florally embossed silver, with the lower part reinforced by a dense silver wire wrapping (relatively strong scabbards could also be used as parrying aids if necessary). A stylised auspicious motif (medicine horn) can be seen on the back; in addition, conical auspicious silver sheet applications are attached to chains, indicating Karo-Batak work (Gayo and Batak maintained good relations). The tinkling repels evil influences. A beautiful star ruby adorns the amulet basket made of silver bars at the front, which contains magical stones. The foot of the scabbard is formed by an inserted ivory crosspiece. Very rare, high-calibre Gayo keris as a complete unit, which has been given a fine, smooth feel and great charm by long wear. Kerises like this were also worn by high-ranking shamanesses in Gayo, Padang and Alas. From an old German private collection, assembled since the 1950s - Minor wear due to age, blade and metal mounting of the hilt slightly chipped Lit.: Ghiringhelli, V. und M. (1991): Kris gli Invincibili /The Invincible Kris. Milano. - Harsrinuksmo, S., Lumintu, W. (1998): Ensoklopedi Budaya Nasional. Jakarta. - Hidayat, M. M. (2013): Keris Indonesia. Estetika dan Magna Filosifi (Aethetics and Philosophical Meaning). Yogjakarta
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