Ancient Ritual Keris – Indonesia (java Or Bali), Pre-islamic Period

Ancient ritual keris – Indonesia (Java or Bali), pre-Islamic period
Fully forged from a single piece of iron, length: 17.5 cm

Rare ancient keris, entirely forged from one single piece of iron, including the hilt — a construction method characteristic of early or ritual keris rather than later court or combat examples. The blade features an irregular wavy form (luk), free and organic, predating the strict formalization seen in classical keris.

The highly stylized, non-naturalistic hilt reflects archaic symbolic iconography, most likely linked to pre-Islamic traditions from East Java (Majapahit sphere) or early Bali. Due to its size and construction, this piece was not intended as a fighting weapon but rather as a ritual, votive, or protective object (pusaka).

The absence of elaborate pamor decoration, visible hand-forging marks, early iron structure, and consistent aged patina all support an early date, most plausibly between the 13th and 15th century (possibly earlier).

Condition:
Original aged patina, wear consistent with age. No modern polishing — authentic surface preserved.

Origin:
Indonesia (Java or Bali).