KERISES

The distinctive weapon of Indonesia and Malaysia. A cultural talisman used in a symbolic, mythological, ceremonial and ritualistic way once worn as a deterrent to hostility as a stabbing weapon.

The keris has a deep psychological effect on community life. It is known that the keris began as a weapon then developed into an article of sacred veneration. Many still believe that the keris posses magical powers by allowing themselves to be strongly influenced by the power of suggestion. The magical powers vary with each keris.It is also believed that the magical power arises from the condition of the keris.The powers of the keris either emanate from the style ("dapur") or the damascene ("pamor"). (Here,we do not have anymore information about the magic powers with the similarity of the Sumatran or Sulawesi keris from the Javanese keris).

(Information from "Keris" by Drs.Hamzuri, and "The kris mystic weapon of the malay world" by Edward Frey)

Website contents copyright © Ken Ratihn
All rights reserved.