THE KERIS, its origins in java? Options

[dalawapo]

The Keris is the distinctive edged weapon of the Malay World. The origin of the word is from the Malay verb "iris", to cut. It is widely spread in the Archipelago, but has its origin in the island of Java. It is associated with special power due to its blade pattern welding (pamor) and shape (dapur).

more pictures and text here:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/taman.sari/

[Nusantara]

In Mindanao also they have their own weapon they call it kris (keris).

[dalawapo]

i know that site shows pictures of them... i believe ours are called "kris/Kalis"

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/taman.sari/keris/c...o/morokeris.htm

[flipcombatmedic]

In Mindanao also they have their own weapon they call it kris (keris).

my uncle from sulu had a big one, it's hereditarily passed down. i guess he's of datu or datu retainer blood. but i wonder how they make the sheath for that. and the hilt is scary because it looks too small. the ones in visayas they use the bigger version, it's not a kris, but they were gigantic. if you watched the cartoon the pirates of the black waters, it wasn't too popular even when i was young. but the animationist were from pi so you could see the sword pattern and style of the cartoon character literally looked like those weilded by lapulapu.

[dalawapo]

i used to watch black water or whatever.... i think

[flipcombatmedic]

i used to watch black water or whatever.... i think

the sword worn by the ugly looking good guy, with the end splitting into into two triangular points and it has a whole on the bigger point. that is almost exactly like the romanticized version of lapulapu's sword. and ti's really big.

[purnomor]

(IMG:http://www.ashokaarts.com/non-edged/no-javatrident1.jpg)
Another Javanese weapon, a trisula from 17-18th century

[dalawapo]

ti the rapper?

[udin_aja]

Keris is one of the biggest Java achivement. it's used not in a war but as a man's friend in java philoshopy. javanese Keris is absolutely different from other weapon that look like keris in anywhere. arround the Nusantara the Keris is also used. but it's not javanese keris.
Java Keris is so uniq because the way of making it.
if u see the keris with som much ornament like they made it. actually not. most of the ornament is made on the way of making it. this techniq is only use by javanese. there is a bit close techniq use by middle east/greece/roman ( not sure which one )
so the "Empu" (the blacksmith) collect many kind of metal and hit and blend them, and after it being burn . it will shows wonderfull lines. and the Empu can decide to choose which form of lines called "Pakem".
this making of Keris is long. even need months. not to mention those other magic ritual like fasting. etc
after the keris is done, the empu will make the handle. that could be as complicated as making the keris .
good Keris is a keris that can stand alone on a vertical lanscape, like table or something.
u can see that Keris is a-simetric. so if the Keris can stand , the empu must have count it so sharp so the Keris can stand alone like that....
the keris Reach its peak in SulTan Agung time. but Now Yogyakarta also found a new Pakem that hv never been made before....

This post has been edited by udin_aja: Oct 27 2004, 09:12 AM

[Protoculture]

Keris or Kris evolved during Cham ascension in Indochina. However, its true form of curved blade evolved solely during Sailendra & Srivijaya era, where Keris culture expands thru' out the archipelago of Malay world.

Keris evolved from a self defence weapons to offensive weapons during Majapahit Era (centered in Java) where Keris is often associated with mystic powers. From mere curved blade, it transformed into long curved blade (Keris Panjang) equivalent to swords. Majapahit popularised Keris & it become the true Malay culture as Keris were widely used in Sumatra, Java, Borno, Sulu & Mindanao, Sulawesi (Celebes), Malaya (Peninsualr Malaysia) in the region. Malacca Sultanate later romanticised Keris legacies in its own fabric, even assimilised Keris culture with Islamic values, though mysticism associated with Keris from Hindu/Buddhist era had not diminished.

The infamous Keris Taming Sari wielded by famous Malaccan Laksamana (Admiral) Hang Tuah was said to be a present given to him by Majapahit King.

Keris continue to play an important part as ceremonial item within Royalties in Malay world, ranging from Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, South Thailand & South Phillippines.

Keris also continue to soldier on as the most important aspect in Silat, a traditional Malay martial arts.

Keris featured prominently in Indonesia, Malaysia & Brunei as symbols of power. Indeed, Keris is symbolised in Malaysian Army to represent Rayal Malay Regiment. Even usage of Keris symbols in logos of various organisations represented Malay unity until now.

[udin_aja]

In javanese culture, Keris is used only to kill honoured enemies. so keris is worshiped. every keris that made by real Empu have its own name. the most famous Keris in Javanese history is Keris Empu gandring that hv killed 7 kings of Singosari. another well-known keris is Setan Kober. lately most of the keris' names started by Kiai. these keris has a special ritual in the first of Suro month of Java calender ( i Muharram of islam calender)...

[dalawapo]

what about balinese, do they have keris, i want to learn about them since they are still hindus & the keris is hindu/buddhist era origin.....

[Tuan Nayland]

I’ve seen some beautiful examples in a museum in Germany. I always associate them with people “running Amok”.

I guess it was the quickest item to grab, if you had the need to do some damage.

Tuan

[Protoculture]

I’ve seen some beautiful examples in a museum in Germany. I always associate them with people “running Amok”.

I guess it was the quickest item to grab, if you had the need to do some damage.

Tuan

Keris rarely used during 'amok', usually persons running amok often used 'Parang / Golok' (machete) for slashing.