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   more...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, known locally as pamor or damascene - which is the most striking feature of the kris. Iron gives the keris its body, and the steel its cutting edge and the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and limejuice. Pamor symbolizes certain hopes of good and bad.

Keris does not only act as a weapon but also as a family heirlooms and status symbols. To recognize whether a keris is suitable to be conserved as an heirloom, an expert will look at it from three aspects: condition, material and style, Some consider keris to be works of art.
Anybody can order an empu (an expert keris maker) to make one, or one can be bought in the antique and craft stores. Keris will remain everlastingly fascinating as an object of mysticism and arts.  less

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   more...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, known locally as pamor or damascene - which is the most striking feature of the kris. Iron gives the keris its body, and the steel its cutting edge and the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and limejuice. Pamor symbolizes certain hopes of good and bad.

Keris does not only act as a weapon but also as a family heirlooms and status symbols. To recognize whether a keris is suitable to be conserved as an heirloom, an expert will look at it from three aspects: condition, material and style, Some consider keris to be works of art.
Anybody can order an empu (an expert keris maker) to make one, or one can be bought in the antique and craft stores. Keris will remain everlastingly fascinating as an object of mysticism and arts.  less

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   more...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, known locally as pamor or damascene - which is the most striking feature of the kris. Iron gives the keris its body, and the steel its cutting edge and the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and limejuice. Pamor symbolizes certain hopes of good and bad.

Keris does not only act as a weapon but also as a family heirlooms and status symbols. To recognize whether a keris is suitable to be conserved as an heirloom, an expert will look at it from three aspects: condition, material and style, Some consider keris to be works of art.
Anybody can order an empu (an expert keris maker) to make one, or one can be bought in the antique and craft stores. Keris will remain everlastingly fascinating as an object of mysticism and arts.  less

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   more...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, known locally as pamor or damascene - which is the most striking feature of the kris. Iron gives the keris its body, and the steel its cutting edge and the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and limejuice. Pamor symbolizes certain hopes of good and bad.

Keris does not only act as a weapon but also as a family heirlooms and status symbols. To recognize whether a keris is suitable to be conserved as an heirloom, an expert will look at it from three aspects: condition, material and style, Some consider keris to be works of art.
Anybody can order an empu (an expert keris maker) to make one, or one can be bought in the antique and craft stores. Keris will remain everlastingly fascinating as an object of mysticism and arts.  less

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   more...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, known locally as pamor or damascene - which is the most striking feature of the kris. Iron gives the keris its body, and the steel its cutting edge and the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and limejuice. Pamor symbolizes certain hopes of good and bad.

Keris does not only act as a weapon but also as a family heirlooms and status symbols. To recognize whether a keris is suitable to be conserved as an heirloom, an expert will look at it from three aspects: condition, material and style, Some consider keris to be works of art.
Anybody can order an empu (an expert keris maker) to make one, or one can be bought in the antique and craft stores. Keris will remain everlastingly fascinating as an object of mysticism and arts.  less

Keris are found in the Malay Peninsula, Java, Sumatra, Bali, Southern Philippines,Brunai and Thailand since as far back as the 13th century and other islands of the archipelago.
The most cultured are   more...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, known locally as pamor or damascene - which is the most striking feature of the kris. Iron gives the keris its body, and the steel its cutting edge and the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and limejuice. Pamor symbolizes certain hopes of good and bad.

Keris does not only act as a weapon but also as a family heirlooms and status symbols. To recognize whether a keris is suitable to be conserved as an heirloom, an expert will look at it from three aspects: condition, material and style, Some consider keris to be works of art.
Anybody can order an empu (an expert keris maker) to make one, or one can be bought in the antique and craft stores. Keris will remain everlastingly fascinating as an object of mysticism and arts.  less

Silat means martial arts. Silat is a generic term for many Malays martial arts.There are many style of silat in the Malays world. Silat is considered as a traditional style of self defence, a fighting   more...art, the art of fighting wars. The art is not merely about self-defense, it is also for the development of the inner self to become a better person in order to serve mankind. It is a great way to develop and increase physical fitness, flexibility, mental conditioning, discipline and self-confidence.  less

this is the key, Mary:
-7; 7; -5; 12; -2; 1; -20; 2

Eight wheels for a name, a name for a tale.
Eight wheels, eight alphabets.
The first wheel is given by the number of plagues.
Each following wheel is given   more...by the plagues of the Apocalypse.
Eight wheels for a name, a name for a tale.  less

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   more...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, known locally as pamor or damascene - which is the most striking feature of the kris. Iron gives the keris its body, and the steel its cutting edge and the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and limejuice. Pamor symbolizes certain hopes of good and bad.

Keris does not only act as a weapon but also as a family heirlooms and status symbols. To recognize whether a keris is suitable to be conserved as an heirloom, an expert will look at it from three aspects: condition, material and style, Some consider keris to be works of art.
Anybody can order an empu (an expert keris maker) to make one, or one can be bought in the antique and craft stores. Keris will remain everlastingly fascinating as an object of mysticism and arts.  less

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   more...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, known locally as pamor or damascene - which is the most striking feature of the kris. Iron gives the keris its body, and the steel its cutting edge and the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and limejuice. Pamor symbolizes certain hopes of good and bad.

Keris does not only act as a weapon but also as a family heirlooms and status symbols. To recognize whether a keris is suitable to be conserved as an heirloom, an expert will look at it from three aspects: condition, material and style, Some consider keris to be works of art.
Anybody can order an empu (an expert keris maker) to make one, or one can be bought in the antique and craft stores. Keris will remain everlastingly fascinating as an object of mysticism and arts.  less

Documentary on malay traditional culture and the keris ~

Margajebat visit empu Sungkowo Harumbrojo. The 17th. generation empu of Majapahit in the making of keris.

Shooting keris documentary in yogyakarta

Documentary on malay silat, the use of keris, kerambit and other edgeweapons.

Discussion on the technique of handling kerambit and keris.
Kerambit is a weapon found among the cultures of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The shape of the kerambit is in the shape of a tiger   more...claw.The kerambit is characterized by a sharply curved, usually double-edged blade which when the knife is properly held, extends from the bottom of the hand, with the point of the blade facing forward. In Southeast Asia kerambits are encountered with varying blade lengths and both with and without a retention ring for the index finger on the end of the handle opposite the blade. However, in addition to being held blade facing forward and extending down from the fist.It is believed that the biomechanics of the weapon allow for more powerful cutting strokes, particularly against an attacker's limbs, even with a short blade. The index finger ring makes it very difficult to disarm and it also allows a finer measure of control as compared with a straight knife.  less

Margajebat and Ferry trying to trace the relief of keris carved in candi Borobudur.
Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Sailendra dynasty.   more...Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur was a place for praying that was completed to be built on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years from the time the construction was begun. The name of Borobudur, as some people say, means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high place.
Borobudur is constructed as a ten-terraces building. The height before being renovated was 42 meters and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as supporting base. The first six terraces are in square form, two upper terraces are in circular form, and on top of them is the terrace where Buddha statue is located facing westward.
Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful the sculptors were. In order to understand the sequence of the stories on the relief panels, you have to walk clockwise from the entrance of the temple. The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. Besides, there are relief panels describing the condition of the society by that time; for example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of navigation in Bergotta (Semarang).All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. For the reason, this temple functions as educating medium for those who want to learn Buddhism.
A question about Borobudur that is still unanswered by far is how the condition around the temple was at the beginning of its foundation and why at the time of it's finding the temple was buried. Some hypotheses claim that Borobudur in its initial foundation was surrounded by swamps and it was buried because of Merapi explosion. It was based on Kalkutta inscription with the writing 'Amawa' that means sea of milk. The Sanskrit word was used to describe the occurrence of disaster. The sea of milk was then translated into Merapi lava. Some others say that Borobudur was buried by cold lava of Merapi Mountain.  less

Exclusive interview with empu Sungkowo harumbrodjo at his residence.
Keris are found in the Malay Peninsula, Java, Sumatra, Bali, Southern Philippines,Brunei and Thailand since as far back as the 13th   more...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, known locally as pamor or damascene - which is the most striking feature of the kris. Iron gives the keris its body, and the steel its cutting edge and the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and limejuice. Pamor symbolizes certain hopes of good and bad.

Keris does not only act as a weapon but also as a family heirlooms and status symbols. To recognize whether a keris is suitable to be conserved as an heirloom, an expert will look at it from three aspects: condition, material and style, Some consider keris to be works of art.
Anybody can order an empu (an expert keris maker) to make one, or one can be bought in the antique and craft stores. Keris will remain everlastingly fascinating as an object of mysticism and arts.  less

These are some of my personal collection of antique edge weapon from Malaysia ~ Indonesia ~

Tembi is the name of a small village south of Yogyakarta. This name was eventually adapted to become a cultural institution ERumah Budaya Tembi- or “Cultural house TembiE This institution is run by   more...people, who want to preserve their culture and it’s cultural history, and therefore they created an open house for cultural activities.

Culture in this context has to be understood within a two-dimensional concept.

Firstly, we can view culture as a system of heritage. The products of a time long past, for example the Borobodur Temple north of Yogyakarta and the old manuscripts that can still be found.

Secondly, culture as a system of production, which means that every generation has the right or the obligation to create a form of culture, which becomes the environment of their lives.

From these two ways of viewing culture, the vision and mission of the “Rumah Budaya TembiE develop.

website is at http://www.tembi.org/  less

The art of sorcery.

margajebat performing silat tempur ~

Silat scene from silat majapahit.

Silat scene from pendekar sumur 7.

Fighting scene from silat majapahit.