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**This is your opportunity to own a museum-quality piece of colonial Indonesian military history—a keris that bridges two cultures, carries profound spiritual significance, and represents the pinnacle of Madurese craftsmanship.**

### Technical Specifications:
- **Total Length:** 62 cm
- **Keris Length (with hilt):** 51 cm  
- **Wilah (Blade) Length:** 40 cm
- **Origin:** Madura, East Java, Indonesia
- **Pamor:** Ngulit Semangka (Watermelon Rind)
- **Hulu (Hilt):** KNIL Resting Lion Wranka
- **Period:** First half of 20th century
- **Provenance:** Royal Netherlands Indies Army (KNIL)
- **Condition:** Complete, authentic, historically significant

# RARE COLONIAL INDONESIAN KNIL KERIS – MAGNIFICENT MADURA MASTERPIECE WITH SACRED NGULIT SEMANGKA PAMOR

## An Exceptional Piece of Dutch East Indies Military Heritage

This **extraordinary large Indonesian keris** represents a remarkable convergence of military history, sacred artistry, and colonial heritage. Carried triumphantly back to the Netherlands by a **Royal Netherlands Indies Army (KNIL) soldier** during the turbulent first half of the 20th century, this magnificent weapon embodies the profound historical connection between the Dutch East Indies and the Netherlands during one of the most dramatic periods in colonial history.

## Distinguished KNIL Provenance – The Resting Lion Wranka

What immediately distinguishes this keris from ordinary examples is its **prestigious KNIL heritage**, unmistakably marked by the **Wranka (hilt) carved into the distinctive resting lion shape**—an iconic emblem uniquely recognizable to the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army. This military connection transforms the piece from a traditional ceremonial weapon into a tangible artifact of colonial military history, representing the elite KNIL forces that served in the Dutch East Indies from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.

The KNIL keris with lion motif symbolizes the authority and prestige of Dutch colonial military power, making this an exceptionally rare collector's item that bridges Indonesian craftsmanship with European colonial influence.

## Sacred Ngulit Semangka Pamor – The Watermelon Rind Pattern

The **40-centimeter wilah (blade)** showcases the highly **prestigious pamor motif known as Ngulit Semangka** (Watermelon Rind), featuring flowing wave-like striations that cascade along the entire length of the blade like the natural pattern of watermelon skin. This is not merely decorative metalwork—**Ngulit Semangka represents one of the most beloved and spiritually significant pamor patterns** in Indonesian keris tradition, particularly revered in East Java and Madura.

According to traditional Javanese belief, the **Ngulit Semangka pamor bestows powerful blessings** upon its owner: expanding social networks, garnering universal affection and respect, and opening wide the doors of prosperity and opportunity. The undulating lines symbolize the multiple paths leading toward a single destination—a profound metaphor for perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of one's goals through diverse means without surrender.

The clarity and definition of this pamor motif indicate **masterful forging technique**, achieved through intricate pattern-welding of contrasting metals—a testament to the exceptional skill of Madurese empu (master bladesmiths).

## Authentic Madura Origin – Island of Master Craftsmen

This keris proudly originates from **Madura**, the distinguished island east of Java renowned for producing keris of exceptional quality and distinctive character. Madurese keris are immediately recognizable to connoisseurs: they feature **bolder, more pronounced pamor patterns** and **wider, more dramatic curves** compared to the delicate refinement of Javanese examples. This robust aesthetic reflects the vigorous martial spirit of Madura's warrior culture and demonstrates the island's unique metalworking heritage.[11][8][7]

Historically, **Madurese keris were the cherished weapons of Sumenep aristocracy and nobility**, worn by the royal families of the Sumenep Sultanate as symbols of power, status, and spiritual protection. The size and quality of this specimen strongly suggest it was commissioned for or owned by someone of considerable social standing.

## Impressive Dimensions – A Commanding Presence

With a **total length of 62 centimeters** and a commanding **40-centimeter wilah**, this keris possesses exceptional physical presence that immediately commands attention. These substantial proportions place it firmly among the larger and more prestigious examples of Indonesian keris, far exceeding typical ceremonial pieces. The **51-centimeter keris length** (blade with hilt) demonstrates perfect proportional balance, creating an elegant silhouette that speaks to the careful attention paid by the original craftsman.

The weapon achieves **perfect fit and harmonious assembly**—warangka (scabbard), wilah (blade), and hulu (hilt) unite seamlessly, indicating either original unity or expert later assembly that respects traditional conventions.

## Historical Significance – A Bridge Between Cultures

This keris transcends its function as a weapon or ceremonial object to become a **profound historical document**—physical evidence of the complex cultural exchange, military conquest, and personal narratives that defined the Dutch colonial presence in Indonesia. KNIL soldiers who served in the East Indies often acquired keris as trophies, gifts, or purchases, bringing them back to the Netherlands as treasured souvenirs of their service in the tropical colonies.

The presence of the **distinctive KNIL lion motif on the Wranka** marks this piece as having official military association, potentially indicating it was specially commissioned for or presented to a KNIL officer or soldier of rank. Such provenance dramatically enhances both historical interest and collector value, as documented KNIL weapons now command premium prices at auction.

## Exceptional Condition and Authenticity

This keris exhibits characteristics consistent with **genuine early-to-mid 20th century manufacture**, displaying appropriate aging, patina, and craftsmanship markers that distinguish authentic heirloom pieces from modern reproductions. The clarity of the Ngulit Semangka pamor, the quality of the forging, and the distinctive Madurese stylistic features all confirm its legitimacy as a **traditional pusaka (heirloom weapon)**.

## A Once-in-a-Lifetime Acquisition Opportunity

For collectors of Indonesian ethnographic arms, Dutch colonial militaria, or sacred Asian weaponry, this **KNIL Madura keris with Ngulit Semangka pamor** represents an extraordinary acquisition opportunity. The convergence of **military provenance, sacred symbolism, masterful craftsmanship, exceptional size, and documented geographical origin** creates a perfect storm of desirability that rarely appears on the market.

This is not simply a keris—it is a **tangible connection to the Royal Netherlands Indies Army**, a **sacred talisman bearing one of Indonesia's most powerful pamor patterns**, and a **masterwork of Madurese metalsmithing tradition**. Whether displayed as the centerpiece of a significant collection or treasured as a family heirloom representing colonial heritage, this magnificent weapon deserves recognition as an **important artifact of Dutch-Indonesian cultural history**

I provide fast Shipping with tracking number and very well packaging

Très bon - Lame damassée, Bois

Épée courte - Kris/keris - Peuple de Madura (Java) - Indonésie  (Sans Prix de Réserve)

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Épée courte - Kris/keris - Peuple de Madura (Java) - Indonésie (Sans Prix de Réserve)

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