Defination by Indonesia (Bali)

The Form of the Keris

Keris is a kind of dagger which is used in a close range combat. In Bali Keris also called Kadutan, and until now the keris are still widely used in the community of Bali specially related to the religious activities such as at the Temple ceremony or the Wedding ceremony. In Bali also there are some Keris Empu or the Keris forger master, they still forge the Keris with the traditional ways with ritually Keris has two kinds of shape: straight keris ( Keris Leres ) and meandering keris ( keril Luk ). The styles of the keris called “Daphur“. There are approximately 200 kinds / daphur of straight Keris and 250 kinds / daphur of meandering Keris. The meander is called "luk". Meandering Keris always has odd numbers of meander, from luk 3 up to luk 29. Actually the luk of the keris are until 13 luk based on the “pakem” or the conditions of the keris, up to 13 luk are called : Kalawijan keris.

The magical power of the keris  or the function of the keris can be directly seen from its daphur and pamor, this way of course needs experiences to recognize it.

THE PROCESS OF MAKING A KERIS AND THE WAY OF GIVING MAGICAL TO A KERIS UNDER THE RULE OF BALINESE ( HINDUISM ) WAY.

The Empu or the Forger master will prepare him self before starting in making the Keris by looking the good or not good day/time based on the Balinese Lunar Calendar. Besides that the Empu will doing his meditation and fasting to get the inspiration. If the right time are found, the Empu will prepare the materials such as : Iron, Steel and Pamor material which can be made from Meteorite or nickel also preparing the offering to the God in order to get the Blessing. First the Empu will forge the iron  till the iron are clean, this way is called “membesot wesi” then turn to prepare the steel and pamor. After all done then the iron and pamor material will forge together to get the layers to form the pamor. The sum of layer according the needed, for the good keris the layer will be more than 4000 layers by folding and folding on the forging process. The layers from iron and pamor material will be cutted into two pieces then continuing to insert a piece steel between. Those three pieces will forge again to get the “kodokan” or half finished of the keris. The kodokan will process to form the keris wether to make straight or meander keris till finished. Before the keris can be used as a heirloom, the ceremony called Pasupati ceremony will held to purify the keris, this ceremony will be lead by a high priest called Pedanda or Rsi, then the keris is ready as a heirloom.

Keris maker

Ki Empu Djeno Harumbrodjo
The only EMPU – The Maestro of classical KERIS making in Java

The 70 year old Empu, Pak (father) Djeno, lives in a tranquil and green village of Gatak, SumberAgung, Moyudan, in the regency of Sleman, about 15 Km westward of Yogya city.

He can make only 2 pieces of classical Keris in a year. His works of arts are really masterpiece, physically and spiritually.

He is the 15^th descendant of Empu Supa, the famous Keris maker of Majapahit Empire of the 13^th century. In fact in Java, there are other Keris makers, their works are also of good quality, but they say that compared with Empu Djeno Harumbrodjo, they are merely craftsmen.

When, he was young, the youngest fifth child of Empu Supowinangun, was not very interested in Keris making. Until one night, his late father come in his dream asking him to help his father to forge iron to make Keris. 3 months later the same dream came again and again 3 months later for the third times he dreamed the exactly same thing. He was convinced that he had to continue the family hereditary job – to be Empu of Keris.

At first, it was not easy for Pak Djeno, to set up his own workshop. He had to approach some local high ranking officials for help, but the replies were discouraging, simply they said ……. be patient.

As a devout Javanese who believes that everything could happened with God’s willing, he prayed a lot until his way to become Empu Keris was widely opened.

How to make a classical – Masterpiece Keris

As stated in the article Keris, it is believed that Keris has magical power. The original magical power of A Keris is determined by the wish of the Empu and the customer. In making a Keris, Empu Djeno needs the personal data of every customer as date and day of birth, occupation etc, the best if he can meet the customer in person, from the meeting, Empu Djeno, should have the ability to understand better his customer’s personality. The Empu shall make a Keris with the spiritual power (YONI) suitable with the customer’s personality. He has to prepare two steps simultantly i.e physical and spiritual.

Physically, the materials for manufacturing must be prepared such as, 12 Kg of Iron; 0.5 Kg of Nickel, 100 grams of meteorite, 500 bags of charcoals etc. Spiritually by fasting, meditating, not sleeping for several days and other spiritual deeds.

The customer is also requested to do self denial and spiritual deeds, so that he shall receive a good Keris suitable for him.

The suitable Keris

According to Empu Djeno, there are about 300 kinds of Pamor (surface design of a Keris blade). The pamor reflects the purpose of the Keris. The drawing design should say its meaning. For a farmer, according to Pak Djeno, a straight Keris (LURUS) with Pamor Wos Wutah (spilled rice) is good. It is symbolizing a good life materially and peaceful life for the owner.

In fact Pamor Wos Wutah is the mother of all kind of Pamor. There are some types of Keris, which are only fit for Kings such as Sengkelat. Pasopati, Kaladete, Pulanggeni etc. Sometimes, an ordinary people wishes to make a Keris of the above type, in that case Pak Djeno shall advise him to make a suitable Keris or he shall reject to make it. Usually customer follows his advice.

At present he is fully booked until the year of 2004. Besides classical Keris. There are Keris of souvenir class. It can be made for a much shorter period. Physically it might be OK, but without a spiritual power.

At his traditional workshop, Pak Djeno are helped by his nephews and a quite a few neighbors. Ki Empu Djeno Harumbrojo wishes the art of Keris making to be always preserved in this country, as it is a reflection of Indonesia’s identity. (for deeper knowledge of Keris, please click the articles of Keris and Commemoration of 1^st Suro).

An Introduction to Keris

Keris blades have existed for thousands of years, yet many are uninitiated in regard to the fascinating history of these highly collectable and sought after blades. For those who know the Keris, their magical, supernatural and spiritual properties are famous and one of things that makes them so prized and extraordinary. Keris knives or blades are also known as Kris blades, but the proper term is Keris rather than Kris which is a European term. The word is pronounced Kerēse with a long e vowel sound on the second e; the word Keris comes from the Malaise language which means to "stab" or to "pierce."

Even though the origin of the name indicates that the knife was used as a weapon, it has been said that they were actually not made for combat, but rather as spiritual objects which protected their owners, warned them of impending danger and even allowed them to peek into the future. Other legends state that Keris' were certainly made for combat and some were even made to kill a particular enemy and was "retired" after this act.

Origins of the Keris

These beautiful and mystical blades originated in the Malay Archipelago. It is reported that their creation began as in the 7^th Century. Keris blades are indigenous to Malaysia, Indonesia and the southern Philippines. They are similar in reverence to the natives of these countries as Samuri swords are to Japanese natives. Some scholars believe that the first Keris' were inspired by daggers of the Dong-Son of Vietnam which existed as early as 300 B.C. More study and research is being done into the exact origins of these mysterious blades by studying early carvings found in Southeast Asia.

All the keris you find listed below have been through psychic scanning by two different adepts, to ensure that you have accurate information as to its properties and use. You will receive full instructions, including the name of the spirit, its special powers, how to use it, and how to feed it. They also come fully certified as antiques.

What is KERIS WEAPON

Keris Weapons or call KERIS is a short weapon used by Malay supremacy of government since the days of the Malay Sultanate of more than 800 years ago principally used by pendekar, heroes and prominent among the palace. One tool grandeur of the kings or the symbol of power or sovereignty. Keris has two sides eyes, broad on base (pangkal) and pointed ends and sharpat upstream. There are kris eyes and a straight Locomotive (berlok) with the beauty and pamor upstream and also attract at the sarung.

Hulu (base)

Base of Kris (Hulu Keris) , sized upstream along more or less 15sm. relatively bend in the middle of the head like a stick. Carved by hand and have a fully aesthetic value, which consist of PERDU Allows or wood (yellow, tegor, tempinis, on celagi, petai grasshopper, boai, lebang and black wood), ivory, horn, whale teeth, gold, silver, And iron and kemor (a kind of coral).
Have been given various names such as the Children's Chicken pupil, The Children's Chicken, Java fever, cockatoo, Tapak Horse and Stork. Incarnation rekabentuknya describe the strength and power of these weapons are raksaksa and garuda. Ragamhias upstream kris mostly bermotifkan interest arise, larat clouds, flowers, perforation, crab guri, the form of fauna and also of the Hindu deity with human face.

Pendongkok

Also known as dokok, pendongkok, trays or kris memendak. Made of metal, copper, silver or gold. Shaped like flowers and flower carving wire spun the inlaid stone carving or just normal. Pendongkok draw paired on the base of the keris in the upstream surface of marijuana.
Type Keris
Various types of kris found in the Malay archipelago and usefulness as a weapon, Smart King of Malay and medical.
* Keris Sepukal
* Keris conjunction
* Keris Stories
* Keris Pinch
* Keris Tajung
* Keris Sulok Belingkong - three locomotive
* Keris Apit Liang - five locomotive
* Keris Jenoya - seven locomotive
* Keris Chain - nine to 21 locomotive
* Keris Andus - have 23 to 29 locomotive