significance: these are the cloth and the knife. Some anthropologists have explained the significance of these highly symbolic object in term of a fundamentally dualistic belief system, in which the cloth, associated with the household, domesticity, patience, refinement, childbirth, represents women and the female realm, while the knife, associated with war, tools, and diplomacy, represents man and the masculine realm.All the weapons of the indonesian archipelago, it is the Keris, also called curiga, kadga, or dhuwung, which has reached the highest level of artistic refinement. There is clear evidence that the Keris has existed in Java for more than 1000 year, wall scultures of Borobudur show an early Keris, while those on the Sukuh Tample, depict ganesha as a blacksmith, or empu forging a keris.
A Javanese man should own at least one keris as an affirmation of his identity as a mature man, capable of defending his family and serving his community. However, while clearly a weapon, the significance of the keris extends far beyond its practical us as a tool of war. The Javanese believe that each keris has its own personality, its own nature, even its own spirit. Just as a Javanese man should seek spiritual guidance from a man much older than himself, he adds, the man can also gain similar guidance from a keris.
Because of the danger of acquiring a keris with an unknown history and temperament, a keris should ideally be given from a father to his son, as a father will known his son's character and be certain that he is capable of bearing the burden of the gift. When a Keris come
s from another source, it should be tested by seeking advice of a wise old man with spiritual powers, although an affirmation is often received by the prospective owner through dream.
In fact, the art of keris making is still extant in Java, with some empu claiming illustrious descent. Takes up to 4 months to forge a simple keris, while one made to order can take up to 2 years.
A complete keris consists of following parts; a blade (wilah), a cover or scrabbard (pendok, wrangka), a hilt or handle (ukiran), and a hilt to blade fitting or rosette (mendak, selut). A spesific craftsman make each of these items.
In order to create the blade, both nickel-formelyderived from meteorite, and hence from the sky, or heavens, and iron-from the earth-are used. The nickel is put between the iron plates, which are very sought after and huge amounts are being paid to obtain the keris tha
t will bring its owner status, power, wealth, leadership, or even additional voters during the election.
The keris, than is much more than merely a weapon, and much more than merely metal. It is a symbol, a living entity, a magical tool, and a trusted advisors. But above all, the keris is a mystery and a puzzle. Just as one can learn more and more of this deeply symbolic weapon without ever completing one's understanding, the same is true of Java.
This article is based in large part on a pamplhet prepared by Marc Peeters for distribution at the recent exhibition at Erasmus Huis.
A Javanese man should own at least one keris as an affirmation of his identity as a mature man, capable of defending his family and serving his community. However, while clearly a weapon, the significance of the keris extends far beyond its practical us as a tool of war. The Javanese believe that each keris has its own personality, its own nature, even its own spirit. Just as a Javanese man should seek spiritual guidance from a man much older than himself, he adds, the man can also gain similar guidance from a keris.
Because of the danger of acquiring a keris with an unknown history and temperament, a keris should ideally be given from a father to his son, as a father will known his son's character and be certain that he is capable of bearing the burden of the gift. When a Keris come
s from another source, it should be tested by seeking advice of a wise old man with spiritual powers, although an affirmation is often received by the prospective owner through dream.In fact, the art of keris making is still extant in Java, with some empu claiming illustrious descent. Takes up to 4 months to forge a simple keris, while one made to order can take up to 2 years.
A complete keris consists of following parts; a blade (wilah), a cover or scrabbard (pendok, wrangka), a hilt or handle (ukiran), and a hilt to blade fitting or rosette (mendak, selut). A spesific craftsman make each of these items.
In order to create the blade, both nickel-formelyderived from meteorite, and hence from the sky, or heavens, and iron-from the earth-are used. The nickel is put between the iron plates, which are very sought after and huge amounts are being paid to obtain the keris tha
t will bring its owner status, power, wealth, leadership, or even additional voters during the election.The keris, than is much more than merely a weapon, and much more than merely metal. It is a symbol, a living entity, a magical tool, and a trusted advisors. But above all, the keris is a mystery and a puzzle. Just as one can learn more and more of this deeply symbolic weapon without ever completing one's understanding, the same is true of Java.
This article is based in large part on a pamplhet prepared by Marc Peeters for distribution at the recent exhibition at Erasmus Huis.
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