vol.22 (2026)
SUZUKI Ippei Anthropological Studies,Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI Key words: Keris, Cultural exchange history, Kyushu, Maritime Southeast Asia This study examines two keris preserved at Toyotamahime Shrine in Kagoshima and Ukishima Hachiman Shrine in Ōita, focusing on their provenance, dating, and the circumstances of their importation into Japan. The keris, a forged iron dagger, has been widely used across Maritime Southeast Asia, particularly in Java. It functioned not only as a weapon but also as a ceremonial object and protective talisman. From the fourteenth century onwards, keris circulated to distant regions; however, research on examples imported into Japan remains limited, with most cases lacking a clear provenance. Establishing basic information on such items is essential to complement existing studies of interregional exchange, which have largely relied on ceramics, and to deepen our understanding of the dynamics of Maritime Southeast Asia. Through direct examination of the two specimens and comparison with related objects, this study aims to estimate their provenance and date of manufacture, as well as to elucidate the historical background of their introduction into Japan. Morphological analysis of the blades and scabbard indicates that the two pieces are closely related and were most likely produced in East Java between the fourteenth and early sixteenth centuries. At that time, the region was under the rule of the Majapahit kingdom, and extant keris from this period are exceedingly rare worldwide. These specimens, therefore, represent survivals of exceptional historical value. Furthermore, features at the base of the blades and their serpentine forms suggest a transitional stage towards types that developed after the late sixteenth century, thereby positioning them as examples of this formative phase. Regarding their importation to Japan, the findings are consistent with evidence from the history of overseas exchange in coastal Kyushu and with the distribution of Southeast Asian ceramics excavated in the region. In particular, the Toyotama-hime specimen may date to before the seventeenth century, earlier than previously assumed. While it remains difficult to determine the precise agents or routes of importation, these keris provide concrete evidence of early interaction between Japan and Maritime Southeast Asia. In sum, this study identifies and characterises keris imported to Japan and establishes a foundation for situating artefacts from Maritime Southeast Asia within the historical framework of interregional exchange. It offers a new perspective on the dynamics of the region and demonstrates the broader scholarly significance of such material. |
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