The Bali Keris or Kris

Balinese Keris Maker

The kris or Keris is distinctive, asymmetrical dagger from Indonesia. Both weapon and spiritual object, the keris is considered as possess magical powers. The earliest known kris go back to tenth century and most probably spread from the island of java throughout South-east Asia.

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Balinese keris maker and balinese culture

balinese keris maker and balinese culture

Kris blades are usually narrow with a wide, asymmetrical base. The sheath is often made from wood, though examples from ivory, even gold, abound. A kris aesthetic value covers the dapur(the form and design of the blade, with some 40 variants), the pamor(the pattern of metal alloy decoration on the blade, with approximately 120 variants), and tangguh referring to the age and origin of a kris. A bladesmith, or Empu, makes the blade in layers of different iron ores and meteorite nickel. In high quality kris blades, the metal is folded dozens or hundreds of times and handled with the utmost precision. Empus are highly respected craftsmen with additional knowledge in literature, history and occult sciences.

Kris were worn everyday and at special ceremonies, and heirloom
blades are handed down through successive generations. Both men and women wear them. A rich spirituality and mythology developed around this dagger. Kris are used for display, as talismans with magical powers, weapons, sanctified heirlooms, auxiliary equipment for court soldiers, accessories for ceremonial dress, an indicator of social status, a symbol heroism, etc.

Over the past three decades, kris lost some of their prominent social and spiritual meaning in society. Although active and honoured Empus who produce high-quality kris in the traditional way can still be found on many islands, their number is dramatically decreasing, and it is more difficult for them to find people to whom they transmit their skills. It was said that some kris helped prevent fires, death, agricultural failure, and many other problems. Likewise, they could also bring fortune, such as bountiful harvests. Kris could also have tremendous killing power. Some are rumored to stand on their tips when their real names are called by their masters. When making a blade, the blademaker could infuse into the blade any special spiritual ands power the owner desires.

In Bali now kerismaker it’s still 3 persons, they are already old persons and only one person still make the keris. It’s difficult to find people make the keris, because there is not motivation for balenese craftsman for make it. Why? Because for make the keris need many capital ( like nickel, iron, steel, charcoal from teak wood). And a new original balenese keris could have price from 300 USD, that’s why craftsman they don’t want to make it and there is not many buyers.

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bali keris hand made prosess

A young balinese craftsman I MADE SUMARDIYASA, 24 years old has a dream for continuing this tradition make the original balinese keris . After finished high school 2003, he begin learn working as a craftsman at home autodidact. He learned make knifes, sickles, spears and at 2007 learn make the keris(dagger).

His ancestors give an assignment to be craftsman and forbid to work at the others places. When he refused request the ancestors, 6 months was unlucky and got the big problem, always was suffering from disorientation. When he promised to the ancestors to be a craftsman, he got back the lucky and got the calm. That’s why now he work as craftsman and blademaker to continue the balinese culture make the keris, and make motivation to the others craftsman to continue this tradition. The God give his divine revelation to communicate with the spirit of the keris, how to check the good keris and the bad keris for anyone.




Address : Jl. Tunggak Bingin Block G no 1, Betngandang – Sanur – Denpasar – BALI
Phone : +6281338989618
Email : wayan.sumardika@yahoo.co.id

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