Keris is a dagger stabbing weapon group (pointed end and sharp on both sides) with many cultural functions are known in the western and central Indonesia. The shape is distinctive and easily distinguishable from other sharp weapons because it is not symmetrical at the base is widened, the blade often winding, and many of them have the prestige (damascene), which is visible fibers in the strands of bright metal coating blades. Stabbing weapon types that have similarities with the dagger is the dagger. Another stabbing weapon native to Indonesia is kerambit.
In the past kris serves as a weapon in a duel / warfare, as well as complementary offerings objects. In the present use, a dagger is more a matter of accessories (ageman) in a dress, has a number of cultural symbols, or become collectibles are assessed in terms of aesthetics.
The use of a dagger dwelling communities scattered in the area that never affected by Majapahit, such as Java, Madura, East Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra, Kalimantan coast, part of Sulawesi, the Malay Peninsula, southern Thailand and the southern Philippines (Mindanao). Keris Mindanao known as dull. Keris in each region has its own peculiarities in appearance, function, engineering plots, and terminology.
Keris Indonesia has been listed in UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Human Non-material since 2005.
The origins and functions.
The origins of the keris is not yet fully explained because there are no written sources are descriptive about it dating from before the 15th century, although the mention of the term "kris" has been listed on the inscription of the 9th century AD. Scientific study the development of keris mostly based on an analysis figures in the reliefs or statues. Meanwhile, knowledge about the function of a dagger can be traced from several inscriptions and foreign explorers reports to the archipelago.
Beginning of: Effect of India-China.
With a sharp weapon forms alleged to be a source of inspiration keris can be found in the relics of the Dong Son culture and southern China. The alleged influence of ancient Chinese culture in the use of stabbing weapons, as the forerunner of the keris, it is possible enter through the Dong Son culture (Vietnam) which is a "bridge" the influence of Chinese culture to the archipelago. Some keris present offerings for the purposes of having a human-shaped handles (unlike modern keris), together with a dagger Dongson, and fused with the blade.
Respect for the various objects filmed metal can be traced to the influence of India, especially Siwaisme. Inscription Dakuwu (6th century) shows the Indian iconography featuring "wesi aji" like a trident, kudhi, sickles, and a dagger Sombro. Historians generally agree, a dagger from the pre-Singasari known as "the keris Buda", the short form and not berluk (straight), and is regarded as an early form (prototype) keris. Some dagger findings of Dong Son culture has similarities with Buda and kris kris sajen. Keris sajen has a handle portion of the metal that blends with the keris.
Kris prototypes from pre-Majapahit.
Megalithic statues sculptures and reliefs of the megalithic period until the 10-11 centuries AD calendar displays most forms of stabbing weapons and "wesi aji" similar to other weapons of Dongson and India. Shape allegedly stabbing weapon is the prototype of the keris blade yet skewed toward marijuana so impressed symmetrical blades, in addition to the generally shows the upstream / deder / engraving which is an integral part of the blade (deder IRAs). The most resembles a dagger is a relic of the valley Basemah megalithic South Sumatra Lahat 10-5 century BC depicting knights are riding an elephant with a stabbing weapon (dagger) is similar to a dagger blade inclination not only to marijuana but there is inclination (slope) of the upstream. Besides the relief panels Borobudur temple (9th century) which shows someone holding a dagger similar objects but do not yet have the degree of inclination and upstream / her deder still fused with blades.
From the same century, the inscription to the year 824 AD Karangtengah mentioned the term "keris" in a list of equipment. Inscription Poh (904 M) called "kris" as part of the offerings that needs to be presented. However, it is unknown whether the "keris" it refers to the object as it is known now.
In the keris knowledge of Java (padhuwungan), a dagger from pre-Kadiri-Singasari known as "the keris Buda" or "keris Sombro". Kris is not berpamor and simple. Buda kris kris is considered as a form of modern bodyguard. Examples of Buda kris kris often cited is Knaud family of Charles Knaud obtained Batavia, a Dutch enthusiasts Javanese mysticism, Sri Paku Alam V. Keris has epic Ramayana relief figures on the surface of the blade and put the numbers in Saka 1264 (1342 AD) , contemporaneous with the Temple Upgrading, although there is no doubting his calendar.
Keris Buda has similarities dagger shape with different images seen in the temples in Java before the 11th century. Dagger at the temples are still exhibits characteristics Indian weapon, has not experienced "indigenism" (indigenization). The various depictions of the various "wesi aji" as component icons of Hindu gods have brought awards attitudes toward a variety of weapons, including a dagger later. Nevertheless, there is no authentic evidence of the evolution of changes kris dagger style of India towards this buda.
Study iconography and style carving building during the Kadiri-Singasari (13th century to the 14th) showed a trend toward indigenism of India pure Javanese style, is no exception to the shape of a dagger. One of the Shiva statue Singasari period (early 14th century) holds a "wesi aji" that resemble a dagger, different from the depiction of the past. One low relief (bas-reliefs) in the wall of the Temple Upgrading also shows the use of a dagger stabbing weapon similar. Upgrading temple (11th century until the 13th M) from the end of the kingdom of Kadiri in Blitar, East Java.
Keris modern.
Modern keris is known today believed the observer keris taking shape in the Majapahit period (14th century), but the real relief in Bahal Temple relics of the kingdom Panai / Pane (11th century AD), as part of the kingdom of Srivijaya, in North Sumatra Portibi , showed that the keris 10-11M century modern as it is known today has found its form, in addition to the carbon at the kris test findings from Malang in East Java were found intact along upstream / dedernya made of bone that can be done to dedernya carbon analysis, The results showed that the keris is derived from 10M century.
Based on the earliest modern keris reliefs on temple Bahal North Sumatra and the discovery of a Buddhist kris East Java equally 10M indicate the age of the century can be estimated that in the 10 century BC began to create a dagger in its modern form that is asymmetrical.
From the 15th century, one of the reliefs in Sukuh, which is a place of worship from the end of Majapahit, clearly demonstrate a master craftsman was making keris. Relief is on the left depicts Bhima as masters of the middle personification forge iron, Ganesha in the middle, and the middle Arjuna blower tube pumping air to the furnace. The wall behind the masters display various results hammered metal objects, including a dagger.
.... These people [Majapahit] always wearing pu-la-t'ou (dagger? Or bodkin?) Which is inserted in the belt, which is made of steel, with intricate patterns and subtle stripes on the leaves; Its head is made of gold, horn, or ivory is carved in human form or face the giant with a very refined and cultivated diligently. - Ma Huan, "Ying-yai Sheng-lan Fai"
Ma Huan record of the year 1416, members of the expedition Zheng, the "Ying-yai Sheng-lan" mentions that people always wear Majapahit (pu-la-t'ou) is inserted in the belt. Regarding said Pu-la-t'ou, although only by the sound similarity, many argue that the question is a "dagger", and as a dagger stabbing weapons as daggers are then considered pu-la-t'ou describe the keris. Seems still to be done in future research whether it really majapahit keris called "dagger" but there is a description menggambarkann that the "dagger" is a dagger and prestige making technique has evolved well.
It could be referred to by Ma Huan with Pulat'ou is "dirk". The word "skewer" more like "Pu- La-T'ou" rather than "dagger". If it is true that Ma Huan was dirk on the picture of Ma Huan about weapons that are widely used in Majapahit keris but this is not the kind of Badik traditional weapons are now being used in a similar curvilinear Sumatra Jambiya, though these weapons have the inclination, but do not have marijuana and gandik so it can not be classified sebgai keris. The presumption that what is meant by Pu-La-T'ou is dirk still require research whether it is during the many public majapahit wearing dirk / dagger as a weapon similar.
... Weapons of the prabu are: sword, ABET (whip), Pamuk, machetes, teundeut pesos, a dagger. Giant who made his god, because it is used to kill ...
- Sanghyang siksakanda ng Karesian, Canto XVII
Keris is mentioned in the manuscript of the year 1440 Sundanese Saka (1518 AD), Sanghyang siksakanda ng Karesian Canto XVII, which states that the dagger is a weapon of King, (king, ksatriya group). The text of weapons in the community divides into three Sunda Kingdom class; weapons for prabu (king, marvelous, or group ksatriya) is a sword, whip, Pamuk, machetes, teundeut pesos, and a dagger; weapons for farmers is cleaver, baliung, homeopathic, kored, and tapping knife; while the arms of the priest is when Katri, expression peso, the peso dongdang, Pangot, and pakisi.
... Every man in Java, no matter rich or poor, should have a keris at home ... and none of the men aged between 12 and 80 years traveling without a blade of a dagger at his belt. Keris put on the back, like a dagger in Portugal ... - Tome Pires, "Suma Oriental"
Tome Pires, the Portuguese explorers of the 16th century, mentioned the usage habits keris by men Java. The description is not much different from that mentioned Ma Huan century earlier.
News Portuguese and French of the 17th century have shown widespread use of the prestige and the use of a dagger handles of wood, horn, or ivory in various places in the archipelago.
Keris function development.
At present, a dagger has a variety of functions and this is shown by the diversity of the existing forms of keris.
Kris as offering elements as stated by the inscriptions of the first millennium shows the keris as part of the offering. At present, the keris is also still a part of the offerings. Furthermore, the keris is also used in ritual / ceremony mystical or paranormal. Kris to use this kind has a different shape, with pesi be upstream kris, so that the upper one with a keris. Such kris kris known as offerings or "keris majapahit" (not the same as tough Majapahit keris) !.
The accounts of foreign shows kris function as weapons in layman Majapahit. Keris as a weapon has a strong blade, tough, but lightweight. Various legends of the period Demak-Mataram know some famous keris weapons, such as a dagger Nagasasra Sabukinten.
French reports from the 16th century has told the keris as a symbol of the greatness of the role of the leaders of Sumatra (especially the Sultanate of Aceh). Godinho de Heredia from Portugal wrote in his journal of 1613 that the inhabitants of the Malay Peninsula ("Hujung Land") had given poison to the keris and decorate gloves and upstream dagger with precious stones.
"Smoothing" the keris function seems to be getting stronger since the 19th century onwards, in line with the easing of the political turmoil in the archipelago and the strengthening of the use of firearms. In this development, the role of a dagger as a weapon gradually reduced. For example, in Java idealism about a man "perfect", it is often argued that the keris or suspicious become a symbol of the handle knowledge / skills as life provision. The growing use of the keris manners and variations of the sheath (sheath) that is known now can be said smoothing function is also a form keris.
Different ways to wear a keris based on Javanese culture.
At present, among the Javanese kris kris as always see Tosan Aji or "hard objects (metal) noble" and not as a weapon. Keris is dhuwung, together with the spear; both are regarded as objects "grip" (ageman) taken power preferment by taking the form of stabbing weapons in the past. In Malaysia, the culture strong monarchy, a dagger into Malay identity.
Procedures for the use of different keris in each region. In the area of Java and Sunda, for example, a dagger placed in the back of the waist in peacetime but are placed at the front during the war. Kris placement in front can be interpreted as a willingness to fight. In addition, related to the function, the sheath Java also has major variations: Gayaman and ladrang. Meanwhile, in Sumatra, Borneo, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines, a dagger placed in front of the ceremonies greatness.
Material, manufacture, and maintenance.
The base metals are used in the manufacture of keris there are two kinds of metal is ferrous metal and metal prestige, while pesi keris made of steel. To make light of the professor always combine these basic materials with other metals. Keris today (NEM-Neman, made since the 20th century) usually wear metallic nickel prestige. Past Keris (keris kuno) which both have the prestige metal meteorite known to have a high titanium content, in addition to nickel, cobalt, silver, tin, chromium, antimony, and copper. Famous meteorite is a meteorite Prambanan, which never falls on the 19th-century temple complex at Prambanan.
Keris vary from one master to another master, but there is a procedure that usually resemble. Here is a brief process according to one of the libraries. Blade iron as the base material diwasuh or heated to glowing and they were hammered repeatedly to dispose of impurities (eg, carbon and various oxides). Once clean, folded blades like the letter U to insert a slab of material prestige in it. Furthermore, these folds back heated and forged. After sticking and elongated, this mixture is folded and forged back repeatedly. Way, strength, and forge position, and the number of folds will affect the prestige that appears later. This process is called Saton. Ultimately shape is elongated slab. The slab then cut into two parts, called kodhokan. A steel plate is then placed in between the two kodhokan like sandwiches, then tied dipijarkan and forged to unite. Kodhokan tip then made slightly elongated to be cut and used marijuana. The next stage is to form pesi, bengkek (candidate gandhik), and finally forming blades whether berluk or straight. Luk manufacture is done by heating.
The next stage is the manufacture of ornaments (ricikan) by working on certain parts using a miser, grinding, and drilling, according to dhapur keris to be made. Silak waja done by filing the bar to see the prestige that is formed. Marijuana was made to follow the bottom blade. Adapted to the size of the hole diameter pesi.
The last stage, the plating, metal keris be done so that the metal iron. In the Philippines kris not done this process. Gilding ("consider smb. Head metal") is performed by inserting a blade into a mixture of sulfur, salt, and lime juice (called Kamalan). Gilding can also be done with a dagger incandesce then dipped into a liquid (water, brine, or oil, depending on the experience of the professor who makes). Gilding actions should be done with caution because if one can make a keris cracking.
In addition to the usual plating method as above in the plating Keris also known Sepuh lick namely when Kris burning metal were taken and licked with the tongue, Sepuh Akep namely when Kris burning metal were taken and nibbled lips several times and Sepuh Saru namely when Kris smoldering metal taken and held by a woman's genitals (vagina) Sepuh this is the famous Saru Nyi Sombro, dagger form is not great but adjusted.
Provision of arsenic and fragrance oils made as a dagger care in general. Kris care in Javanese tradition carried out each year, usually in the month of Muharram / Sura, although this is not a requirement. Term care dagger is "bathe" the keris, although actually done is to remove the old fragrance oils and rust on the keris, usually with acid (traditionally use coconut juice, crushed noni fruit, or lime juice). Blades that have been cleaned and then given warangan when necessary to reinforce the prestige, cleaned again, and then given a fragrance oil to protect the keris of new rust. This fragrance oil is traditionally used oil jasmine or sandalwood oil diluted in coconut oil.
Morphology.
Keris or dhuwung consists of three main parts, namely blades (wilah or kris leaves), hashish ("cantilever"), and upstream kris (engraving, kris handle). There is a part that must slats. Hulu kris can separate or fused with blades. Marijuana is not always there, but a good kris always have it. Keris as a weapon and a tool ceremony protected by the sheath or the sheath.
Keris is a major part of the identification of a keris. Knowledge of the shape (dhapur) or morphology keris be important for identification purposes. Keris has many spiritual symbol besides aesthetic value. General things to consider in the morphology of the keris is a bend (luk), ornaments (ricikan), color or beam blades, as well as patterns of prestige. This combination produces a number of different components of a standard form (dhapur) dagger that many described in the libraries of the keris.
The effect of time influences the style of manufacture. Kris-making style is reflected in the concept of respite, which is usually associated with the periodization of history and geography, as well as the masters who make it.
Hulu or a dagger grip.
Grip keris (Javanese: uniformity, or upstream kris) is an assortment of motives, to keris Bali there that looks like a god, pedande (pastor), a giant, dancers, forest hermit and some kinatah carved with gold and precious stones and usually studded with rubies.
Sulawesi depicts a dagger grip seabirds. It was a symbol of the most professional Sulawesi community which is a sailor, while the bird is the symbol of the world for the safety. As well as the head of a bird motif used in kris Riau Lingga, and to other areas as the development center Tosan aji such as Aceh, Bangkinang (Riau), Palembang, Sambas, Kutai, Bugis, Luwu, Java, Madura and Sulu, kris has carvings and a different symbol. In addition, the materials used were derived from a variety of materials such as ivory, bone, metal, and the most that wood.
To handle Javanese kris, generally consist of sira wingking (of the head), Jiling, cigir, shallow, bathuk (front of the head), Weteng and cauliflower.
Warangka or sheath.
Warangka, or the sheath (language Banjar: Kumpang), is a component of a dagger that has a specific function, especially in the social life of the Java community, not least because this is the part that looks directly. Warangka were originally made of wood (which commonly are teak, sandalwood, Timoho, and yellow). In line with the times by an additional wrangka function as a reflection of social status for its users. Uppers or ladrang-Gayaman often replaced with ivory.
Broadly speaking there are two forms of the sheath, the sheath ladrang types consisting of parts: tweezers, lata, beard, Gandek, Godong (shaped like a leaf), axle, ri and cangkring. And the other type is the type of wrangka Gayaman (Gandon) which parts similar to the wrangka ladrang but there are tweezers, Godong, and Gandek.
Rules wrangka use this form has been determined, although it is not absolute. Wrangka ladrang used for official ceremonies, for example before the king, other palace official events (coronation, royal appointments, marriage, etc.) with the intent of respect. The procedure for its use is to slip a dagger in the folds of the belt axle (stagen) on the back of the waist (including as consideration for the safety of the king). While wrangka Gayaman used for daily necessities, and a dagger placed on the front (near the waist) or at the back (back waist).
In the war, which is used is a dagger wrangka Gayaman, consideration is practical and concise terms, because wrangka more Gayaman allows quick and easy to move, because the shape is more simple.
Ladrang and Gayaman is a pattern-form wrangka, and the main part according wrangka function is long-shaped bottom (along wilah kris) called axle or antupan, then the axle function is to wrap wilah (slats) and usually made of wood (considered to no damage wilah made from alloy).
Because the axle to wrap function, so that the function of beauty is not preferred, it is to be coated such memperindahnya-cylinder sleeve called pendok. Pendok section (sleeve lining) this is usually very beautifully carved, made of brass, suasa (a mixture of copper gold), silver, gold. For areas outside of Java (among kings Bugis, Goa, Palembang, Riau, Bali) pendoknya made of gold, along with additional embellishments such as embroidery laces of gold and diamonds strewn flowers.
For Javanese kris, according to pendok shape, there are three kinds, namely (1) pendok bunton flat without a hemisphere-shaped sleeve on its side, (2) pendok cantaloupe (blengah) split lengthwise up on one end so that the axle will be visible, and (3) pendok topengan the slit is located just in the middle. When viewed from decorations, there are two kinds pendok pendok pendok ornate and plain (without engraving).
Wilah or keris.
Wilah, wilahan, or slats is a major part of a keris. Wilah dagger is forged metals such that became a sharp weapon. Wilah consists of certain parts that are not the same for each wilahan, which is usually called the kitchen, or naming shapes in wilah-bar (there are dozens shape kitchen). For example, it can be mentioned tall kitchen mayang, jaka lola, pinarak crown murub, cauliflower, kebo Tedan, pudak sitegal, etc.
At the base there wilahan pesi, which is the lower end of a keris or kris stalk. This is the part that goes into the handle keris (engraving). This Pesi length between 5 cm to 7 cm, with a cross section of about 5 mm to 10 mm, long round shape like a pencil. In the area of East Java called axis, in Riau called nipple, while for Sarawak, Brunei and Malaysia called punting.
At the base (base keris) or the bottom of a keris called cannabis (for local call aring Malay peninsula). In the middle there is a hole pesi (round) just to enter pesi, so that the wilah and marijuana inseparable. Tosan Aji cultural observers say that the unity it symbolizes the unity of the phallus and yoni, which represents marijuana emblem symbolizes the yoni while pesi lingganya. This marijuana cursory shaped lizard, the front called sira lizard, called gulu meled neck, abdomen and tail called wetengan called sebit ron. The variety of marijuana is diverse, wilut, dungkul, flashing leeches and sebit rontal.
Luk, is part of the winding-wilah keris, and seen from the shape of the keris can be divided into two major categories, namely kris dagger blade straight and winding or luk. One simple way of calculating luk on the bar, starting from the base toward the tip of the keris, calculated from the convex side and carried on each side of both sides (right and left), then the last number is the number of luk at wilah-bar and the numbers are always odd (odd) and never even, and the smallest is luk three (3) and most are luk thirteen (13). If there keris luk number of his more than thirteen, usually called kris kalawija, or keris is not uncommon.
Pasikutan, tough keris, and developments in the present.
What is meant by pasikutan is "romance" or the impression of emotions generated by the form of a keris. Typically, the personification pinned on a kris, a dagger looks like for example a "hunchback", "not excited", "carefree", "unbalanced", and so on. Ability suggests pasikutan an advanced stage in studying the science of the keris and bring someone on panangguhan keris.
Style / style of making a keris is influenced by age, place of residence and taste masters are made. In terms Javanese kris, kris style according to time and place is termed as tough. Tangguh can also be interpreted as "estimates", that is an estimate of a keris to follow the style of an age or a certain place. "Suspension" the keris is generally carried out on heirloom kris, although new kris can also be made to follow a certain tough, depending on the desires of the keris or owner.
Formidable keris is not absolute because the description of each can be tough even overlap. In addition, old libraries do not have agreement on masters who put in a formidable. This is due to the oral tradition before the 20th century used in science padhuwungan.
Although age is not synonymous with tough, tough keris (Javanese) is the oldest that can be found today is tough Buda (or keris Buda). The oldest modern heirloom kris ascribed tough Padjadjaran, from the period when most of Central Java still under the influence Galuh Kingdom. Keris is the youngest of the reign Pakubuwana X (ending 1939). Furthermore, the quality of keris has continued to decline, even in Surakarta in the 1940s no one clever dagger survive.
Kris craft art revival in Surakarta began in 1970, dibidani by KRT Hardjonagoro (Go Tik Swan) and supported by Sudiono Humardani, through association Bring Taste Tosan Aji. Slowly clever activity bounced back and eventually kris kris science also be a program of study at the College of Arts Indonesia Surakarta (now ISI Surakarta).
Kris made by the clever kris kris is now known as the Kamardikan ("the keris independence"). This period gave birth to some famous keris clever than the Solo as KRT. Supawijaya (Solo), Pauzan Pusposukadgo (Solo), STSI Surakarta kris clever team, Harjosuwarno (KRT owned studio working on Hardjonagoro in Solo), Supaman Wignyosukadgo (Solo).
Thank you for reading this article. Written and posted by Bambang Sunarno.
sunarnobambang86@gmail.com
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http://primadonablog.blogspot.com/2015/06/do-you-know-keris.html
DatePublished: June 16, 2015 at 13:20
Tags : Do You Know Keris.
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