Pariwisata Indonesia: Weapon : Keris

Keris is traditional stab weapon in southeast asia like Sumatra, Madura, Borneo, Bali, Java, Sulawesi and Phillipine. But keris more vamous in java island because in jawa and sunda tribe,keris is more comprehensive.

Keris itself is forged by combine metal like meteorite,titanium,iron and the other mix. The keris maker is called empu,if we order and ask empu to make us a keris,he will ask our job and date of birth. Because degree of prestige position will decide pattern on the surface of keris,for example if you are governor,your keris will have different pattern with keris of ordinary farmer.

When the processing,empu will fast until the keris finish,he did it because if empu had good health,the result of keris will had maximize quality.

The number of curve on the edge of keris,is depending of your job or prestige position. If you are priest,empu will make straight keris,but if you are leader he will make keris with 9 curves,or if you are descendant of king,your keris will has 5 curves,

The case cover of keris is made by wood,but sometimes for a king,they always carve and design the handle with jewelry like gemstone or gold plate.

Now keris is not for war but only for decoration in formal uniform. They bring keris for formal ceremony like weeding or another ritual. Keris is not only weapon,but they have much philosophy of culture heritage.