Bugis Keris with Hippo Tusk Handle

Bugis (Buginese) people are the biggest ethnic group from Sulawesi (Celebes) Island. They carry a very typical Keris dagger: Rather short with massive blade, scabbard with somewhat square lines and a pistol grip handle.

This Bugis Keris dagger is late 19 C. very well made wavy blade (9 Luk) forged with unusual pamor forging result in a pattern of series of squares on the blade center. Large grip carved from hippo tusk (Hippopotamus) . Brass mendak.  Classical wood scabbard.

Blade 13 1/2   inches long, Total Length 16 1/2  inches. Very good condition. Blackened spots on the blade. Lightly damaged scabbard.

Note: The Hippo tusk is recognized by a series of dots defining the  border between two sectors of the tusk. Clearly seen on the last photo.