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Another less common variant of the tajong type is the keris coteng (pronounced choteng) which originates from the ethnic Malay region of Songkhla, one of the northern-most ethnic Malay state of the Peninsula. The handful of coteng I have seen have many of the same features as the tajong but are still quite distinct. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the coteng is the lack of a beard. I have heard it suggested that the coteng may in fact represent the female form of this hilt type however I suspect that this may in fact be a more recent belief to explain the lack of a beard. The coteng that I have come across tend to be somewhat smaller overall than the tajong and more commonly have metal fittings on the sheath and smaller, thin straight blades. I have also seen a coteng sheaths which lacked metal oversheaths and were held together with woven rattan bands. Given their rarity however it is difficult to make truly representative comments about the coteng form.
Coteng, collection of David A. Henkel, teak, silver, besi putih, ca. 19th C.
Close up images showing details of the coteng hilt. Note the clearly defined anthropomorphic features and the interesting construction of the piece.
Another excellent keris coteng. Note the differences between this piece and the previous one. Collection of Artzi Yarom, Oriental-Arms.
Close-up of the above piece showing details of the hilt. Note the interesting mendak style pendokok, the scale or feather-like detailing on the neck and the use of both brass and silver in the construction of the hilt.
Another coteng hilt fitted to an unusual sheath that strongly resembles Sumatran examples. Recent evidence however has suggested that this may in fact be a Singora origin piece. Also, note the realistic feet on this piece. Collection of Paul DeSouza, silver or besi putih.