Badek Bugis Qul Buntet Buntil Mayit

[kronckew]

Could not pass this one by. it cost me a bit more than i would have liked, but what the heck, it's purdy, thought i'd share it with y'all:

=====================================
Vendor's Description:

Badek Bugis Qul Buntet Buntil Mayit - A good example of short knife called Badek from the southern Sulawesi regions of Bugis. Handle is made of kemuning woods and is encased at the base with a plain silver alloy panel. Sheath is made from angsena woods and is finely carved at the top with floral motifs in the form of a makara.

Very sturdy blade with a single sharp edge and a tapering tip. The sharp edge is also angled and is also well tempered from the darker shades seen along the edges.

Pamor patterns are rare, and are arranged in the miring technique. At the base, a circular formation is seen and is called pamor qul buntet. Above it are diagonal patterns called pamor buntil mayit or death shroud.

The pamor qul buntet is said to protect the owner while the pamor buntil mayit is said to enhance the owner’s status.

Condition: Very good condition.

Age: Krises and other edge weapons are traditionally made without any date stampings or engravings of the makers' name. Although a kris smith or "empu" has his own styles configured together with the dapor and especially the ganjar (cross piece). Obvious age wear and tear, usage, familiarity with forms, motifs and designs, origin and history, mediums and materials used are our guidelines in determining an approximate age. This particular piece, from our experience and knowledge, should go back to the late 19th century blade, with late 20th century fittings.

Length of blade: 6.4". Overall length: 9.5".
======================================
just the thing to shove under my belt when goin' to answer the doorbell. interesting hamon on the inserted unlaminated edge...

 

[Kevin the grey]

Neat . What is the fit like in the Sheath ? Is it lined well ? No rattle ?

 

[kronckew]

will answer in ten days when it arrives from malaya. a similar badek jawa i have
(looks sorta llike this one from valiant but is not laminated)

has a wood scabbard that you must look really close to see that a narrow strip had been removed from the BACK of the scabbard to allow entry for some sort of tool to carve out the inside, then the strip was replaced, the blade fits it perfectly and there is no rattle at all. i'd guess the new one will be similar

 

[Ad Astra]

"Mayit" serve you well. :foot:


Mike

 

[Kevin the grey]

Is the piece that was removed and replaced that irregular patch that looks like heartwood ?

 

[kronckew]

no, i've re-examined the other side as well, the lines, while less obvious, are there too, the grain in the wood hides them better....

guess this scabbard was made of 4 strips, the 2 rounded bits on the spine & edge, and the two sides that join them, all fitted to the blade, the ends are blackened & i can't see the join to tell if it has been dovetailed or grooved to fit or just lapped.

 

[spiraltwista]

Very nice!

Spiral

 

[Yvsa]

There are many things about the Malay Archipelago Knives that interest me but one of the main things is just how sharp the edges are and is the point a "sharp" point or rounded over and fairly dull.
My two Keris are somewhat dull with rounded points. The really old one with its really thin edge could lay a really bad cut on someone but the newer Keris would need a pretty heavy chop motion to cut or stab a person.
I've often wondered just how sharp the EDC knives that are actually to be used in self defense over there are.
But to kinda clarify about the Keris being pretty dull, from what I understand these are more of a ceremonial weapon instead of an actual fighting knife so don't need to be razor sharp.
I do know the thoughts of being cut by my really old Keris does send shivers and chills all throughout my body!!!!
There's just something about Damascus and especially very old Damascus!!!! :foot:

 

[kronckew]

my other badeks have a sharp point, but my keris is a bit rounded, the badek jawa has a 1/2" wide razor sharp blade & likes to bite me when i'm not looking, i usually become aware as the red stuff drips about me. the edge starts immediately at the grip.

my other badek is better behaved, mebbe 'cause it's a bit wider & has about an inch long unsharpened area near the grip. it is also razor sharp & pointy.

the keris is not razor sharp, the annual ritual washing in lime juice and arsenic eventually blunts them a bit, but it's still sharp enough that i would not like to be on the receiving end (the arsenic also would be a bit scary). i've never heard of keris being sharpened, guess cause they're ceremonial now & most are antiques & the purist will be aghast at removeing a few molecules of metal.....

i have a washed tombak (or more properly a 'lading' (spear mounted as a dagger)) that is similar, edges are not razor sharp but still dangerous.

my rencong IS razor sharp as well as being VERY pointy & is designed for the upward disembowling stroke like a kerambit.

 

[Bill Marsh]

The pamor qul buntet is said to protect the owner while the pamor buntil mayit is said to enhance the owner’s status.

The "whorl" at the base is a powerful talismanic device. Not familiar with the pamor, but it is beautiful! You have an exceptional piece!

You might try putting it near your bed or preferably under the pillow, inside the pillow case. The spirit in the blade will communicate with you in your dreams.

I think there is a spirit there.

It is very appropriate that the dress is newer than the blade and in good condition. The dress can be upgraded many times during the life of the owner, depending on his financial, political, marriage and spiritual state. A good blade in old decrepit dress is wrong, at least to a Javanese oriented collector. Like having your wife dressed in rags.

Keris and related objects like to be smoked on Thursday nights.

They are NEVER sharpened (shudder) because they were never meant to be used as physical plane weapons. Keris tangs are very weak. The handle is made to be removed for ritual yearly cleansing. Could only be used as a stabbing weapon and then only as a last resort. Except the Moro kris that is more like a sword. It is both a weapon AND a ceremonial piece.

Treat them with respect. Never put one on the floor or get your foot higher than it. Also never do a "quick draw." They don't like that!

 

[Bill Marsh]

Here are some pictures of an old blade and dress. Can date this one to about 250 years old because it was in a museum. Note number.

Carved horn and wood.

 

[Bill Marsh]

Found one of mine with a similar talismanic device. An Indonesian pedang. There is something about this marking that really appeals to me. Magic swords!

One of my very favorite pieces.

 

[kronckew]

well, your pedang is gorgeous, lots better than mine, someohow i keep getting outbid on them silver trimmed beauties. mines a plain jane, tho the carving on the horn grip ain't bad. blade is marked 1814 & reverse is marked 330 in same manner. my all wood scabbard is new (from last century)....no fancy swirly things. blade is washed and shows laminations, but no pamor or pattern welding.