Recently, a collector messaged me an enquiry as follows:

THE QUESTION

“How does a malay or minangkabau kris naga look like? Can you send me some pictures?”

MY THOUGHTS

I find this an interesting question and I would like to share my thoughts with all of you.

While I do not own any specimens of Dragon Motif blades aside from my first Javanese “kodian” specimen, I feel as a general guide, one must have a firm understanding of identification and categorisation of keris blades.

Subtle and sometimes obvious difference in stylised forms, unique to specific geographical region within Nusantara, plays a pivotal part in identification of a blade – to determine its estimated origins and probable maker (smith, empu, panre, pandai besi, etc)

Additional design elements or traits, such as “dragonesque” features are next to secondary.

A Malay blade can never be a Javanese blade, likewise a Javanese blade can never be a Malay blade, such is with Bugis blades too. The Malay Blades Diaspora too are sub divided into various plethora of Malay Regions – Peninsular Malay, Riau Malay, Sumatra Pagar Ruyong Malay, Palembang Malay, Minang Malay, Banjar Malay, and many more.

MY CONCLUSION

It always goes back to primary basics – The Blade. Hence having a firm footing in the understanding of this aspect, serves as a reflection of one’s understanding of this hobby.

To those new on this subject, this is a great opportunity to have the right understanding of keris fundamentals.

Look out for my basic introductory class coming soon. ?

Regards,
Khairi Johari @ Pak JoFe
The Keris Collector
20 Jan 2018