Lampung Ganja Iras keris

The term ‘Ganja Iras’ is a traditional term used for keris blades which are made of one piece, contrary to the commonly seen keris with separate ‘ganja’ and ‘wilah’ (blade and guard). According to some sources, the separation of the guard and blade is symbolizes the union of ‘lingga‘ and ‘yoni‘ and represents fertility, eternity and power. Other sources mention this a a form of construction to make the keris suitable for thrusting in combat. The spiritual intention of the ‘Ganja Iras’ is quite uncertain, but is mostly seen on Sumatran keris, which points to a cultural way of manufacturing and dates from the early keris period.

Our example:
A fine ‘Ganja Iras‘ keris with its original washing maintained. The blade has a straight dapur and fine pamor ‘tritik’ pattern which shows a rich contrast. The blade is made in one piece and shows a pronounced ‘gandik’ with a closed ‘sekar kacang’. The wooden hilt represents ‘Rajamala’ a wayang figure and shows a pronounced nose and detailed carved body which is mounted in a brass alloy cup.