Keris with kananga ginuba (strand of cananga flower leaves) pamor
Full Description:
A striking 19th century keris from the Indonesian island of Lombok. The blade dapur (shape) is known as mundarang and the pamor (blade pattern) is known as kananga ginuba (strand of cananga flower leaves). The scabbard is later, with the wrangka (boat shaped throat piece) in crocodile wood carved with Arjuna from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. The ferocious looking Kala Rahu, also from the Mahabharata is seen swallowing Dewi Ratih (moon godess). The body of the scabbard (gandar) is in pelet wood sembur. Pelet wood is a highly prized Indonesian wood which has been affected by a fungus which creates a unique and interesting pattern in the grain. The hilt is of a type known as jaglir set with cabochons on polychrome wood. The mendak (the ring that sits between the hilt and blade) in gilt copper is also set with cabochons.
Often the original intention that the keris has magical and spiritual qualities is ignored, and the keris just considered an object or a weapon. In honour of the traditions of the keris and the empu (talented smiths) who made them, I would like to note what each pamor represents. Here pamor kananga ginuba (strand of cananga flower leaves) draws positive attention to the owner. Attracts popularity, especially desirable for performing artists like singers, actors etc.