|
BarkellWH -> RE: Knife making (Jan. 23 2020 15:29:00)
|
Thanks, Piwin. Very interesting. One of the more interesting weapons, both historically and today, is the Malay Keris (sometimes spelled "kris") which is still made in In Indonesia in Java, Sumatra, Bali, and other regions, as well as in Malaysia. It has a long history as stabbing weapon but today is primarily used for ceremonial purposes. It can be made either with the familiar wavy blade or with a straight blade. Within each of those there are many styles (called "dapur") for the keris blade.
The blade is made of a combination of iron and nickel, and the maker (In Malay called an "empu") will "sandwich" the blade over and over, sometimes dozens of times, for strength and the beauty of the damascene design (called the "pamor") produced by the nickel. Kerises from various regions have distinctive designs, from the pamor in the blade to the hilt. A Javanese or Malay man in full kit (sarong, etc.), will wear his ceremonial keris at his waist in back.
When I was assigned to the American Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, I received a letter of introduction from a friend, introducing me to the Palace Keris-maker (empu) to the Sunan (equivalent of Sultan) of Surakarta (Solo). Both Solo and Jogjakarta, in Central Java, maintain many traditional arts and crafts. I visited the empu and requested him to make me a keris in the Solo style, with seven "curves" in the wavy blade, and with a design made of gold on the blade with the pamor. I made five trips to Solo just to work with the empu making the keris. He did a fantastic job, and the keris now hangs above the mantel of our fireplace.
The keris is believed by many to have magical properties, particularly if made by a renowned empu. For example, one should never withdraw a keris from its scabbard (appropriately called a "sarong") without "drawing blood" or it might result in having a bad influence on its owner. The exception is that it may be withdrawn if done so above one's head.
Bill
|
|
|
|
