An important means of identifying the origins of Keris!
The hilt, sheath and fittings are typically called the "clothing" of a keris, and like human clothes, they may be changed depending on the social circumstances of wearing or displaying the keris.
The accessories and types of fittings are strongly related to the dapur and tangguh of the keris. There are many styles of sheaths and fittings that vary greatly with point of origin and the age of a keris.
Warangka (wrangka) (detail here)
- The wide top portion of the sheath. Made of good wood selected for grain, not strength.
Gandar
- The narrow portion of the sheath. Possibly a different wood, sometimes partially or fully encased in metal called the “Pendok”
Pendok (detail here)
- The metal sleeve found on a gandar. The pendok functions as a protective layer for the wooden sheeth, and also a means to display luxury. For example, the choice of metals (brass, copper vs. silver or gold), carved patterns and jewel settings.
Hulu/Ukiran (detail here)
- The hilt; wood or ivory, sometimes silver or brass. Often carved extensively in forms that reflect the culture that produced the keris (patra). Sometimes the hulu will have profuse semi-precious stones or glass cabochons that are quite beautiful.
Mendak (pedongkok, cincin keris)
- A metal cap on the tang between the ukiran and the blade guard. Almost always metal (brass, silver, copper, gold/copper mixture) and sometimes set with plain faceted gemstone.
Selut
- Made with gold or silver and set with jewels. The function is limited to the show of luxury. a nyeruk pecel is a small selut, and a selut njeruk keprok is one decorated with diamonds. Not all keris have a Selut.
Buntut
- The end of the pendok
The Hulu and Gandar are often made from wood. Ivory and even gold have also been used. Different regions produce different styles of wilah, ukiran and sheaths. One of the most beautifully stunning material used for some ukiran and wrangka was fossilized elephant teeth.