Both a Weapon and Spiritual Object
The kris or keris is a distinctive, asymmetrical dagger from
Indonesia Raya. Both a weapon and spiritual object, krises are often considered
to possess magical powers. The earliest krises known were made around 1360 AD
and most probably spread from the island of throughout Southeast Asia.
Kris blades are usually narrow with a wide, asymmetrical
base. The different metals formed into the blade give the steel its distinctive
‘watered’ appearance called pamor. The sheath is often made from wood, though
examples from ivory, even gold, abound. A kris' aesthetic value covers the
dhapur (the form and design of the blade, with around 150 variants), the pamor
(the pattern of metal alloy decoration on the blade, with around 60 variants),
and tangguh referring to the age and origin of a kris.
A blade smith, or empu, makes the blade in layers of different
iron ores and meteorite nickel. Some blades can be made in a relatively short
time, while more legendary weapons take years to complete. In high quality kris
blades, the metal is folded dozens or hundreds of times and handled with the
utmost precision. Empu are highly respected craftsmen with additional knowledge
in literature, history, the occult, etc.
Krises were worn everyday and at special ceremonies, with
heirloom blades being handed down through successive generations. Both men and
women wear them, though those for women are smaller. A rich spirituality and
mythology developed around the weapon. Krises are used for display, as
talismans with magical powers, weapons, sanctified heirloom, auxiliary
equipment for court soldiers, as an accessory for ceremonial dress, an
indicator of social status, a symbol of heroism, etc.
Until the 1990s, kris-making activities in Java had almost
come to a standstill due to economic difficulties and changing socio-cultural
values. However, thanks to several concerned kris experts, the tradition is
being revived and kris craftsmanship has increased again.
Over the past three decades, krises have lost their
prominent social and spiritual meaning in society. Although active and honoured
empus who produce high quality krises in the traditional way can still be found
on many islands, their number is dramatically decreasing, and it is more
difficult for them to find successors to whom they may transmit their skills.
Home
Post a Comment