An extremely rare keris from South Borneo.

Such brass hilted kerisses where made in the last quarter of the 19th century

inspired by Javanese and Balinese models but with their own typical Banjarmasin twist.

This example is one of the finest in detail with a squatting figure.

On his back he seems to have a whip, probably a reference to self punishment.

On each side of the blade the mythical Naga dragon.

The scabbard is made of Berlin silver and a Jawi/Malay inscription (translated):

                     

          as[?] Tuan Pendeta   11 d-a-m-a (or: a-a-d-a-m-a)   Banjarmasin

         Jumadilakhir  hari  sembilan 1311

   bahagian   tunggara   dari   pulau Kalimantan

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TRANSLATED

 

‘     Sir/Mr Missionary Adama Banjarmasin

     Jumadilakhir, the 9th day, 1311

      in the southeastern part of the island of Kalimantan

 

   

 (  9 Jumadilakhir 1311 = 18 December 1893)

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In december 1892 A.Adama was appointed by the government as vicar in Banjarmasin 

Most likely it was a gift from a local ruler to vicar Adama 

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A comparable example is illustrated in " Armi E Armature Orientali" by Gianni Vianello, that example should be in the collection of the museum in Leiden.

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Refr. :Gianni Vianello - Armi E Armature Orientali

Bruce W. Carpenter - Heroes,Gods and Guardians

Javabode 16/12 / 1892

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End  19th century

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Size total: 29,5 cm

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€ 2500,- HOLD

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