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

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