KERIS

The Javanese and Buginese keris provided the inspiration for the development of the Sumatran keris. This particular piece is a typical example from Palembang. The Javanese cultural influence is evident on the keris handle, made of ivory and carved in the shape of a bird, called Jawa Demam, while the Buginese contribution is evident from the double-knotted toli-toli (gold rope) and sepatu (the protruding part at the bottom of the sheath). Additional embellishments, in form of rosettes with diamonds, covering the upper part (gandar), are typically Sumatran. The sheath is made from a special wood called trembalo, and the keris would be worn by members of the nobility of the Sultanate of Palembang.