| Keris are found in the Malay Peninsula, Java, Sumatra, Bali, Southern Philippines,Brunei and Thailand since as far back as the 13th century and other islands of the archipelago. The most cultured are made in Java, dating back to the kingdoms of Jenggala, Daha, Kediri, Singasari, Pajajaan, Majapahit, Demak, Pajang, Mataram. Experts on keris focus on many different aspects of the weapons in order to fully understand them, viewing them from different aspects, such as the historical, cultural, archaeological, anthropological, as well as considering all the legends, mythology and ethnology. Many shares the belief that the keris has magical powers,particularly those which do not contradict religion and certain ethical norms. The keris is believed to aqquire properties of various mystical and scientific values, depending on the fabrication process. Some views are intermingled with customs, beliefs, myths, and legends. These views change in accordance with changes in value systems and the patterns of cultural beliefs that they adopt. The making of a keris is preceded by ceremonies, offerings, and magic formulae which strengthen the belief that the keris has magical powers. In terms of its fabrication, a keris is welded from various different metals that fall into two groups, ie; metal derived from the earth and metal derived from the atmosphere. Materials from the atmosphere means meteor and asteroid. Welding certain kinds of metals into one blade causes them to form patterns ... |
