Antique Straight Bladed Javanese Keris
LENGTH: – 49cm
BLADE LENGTH: – 28cm
WEIGHT: 300gms
#142 – PRICE: CONTACT
Antique Straight Bladed Javanese keris with silver plate over a brass sheath with an impressed pattern on one side is a unique and iconic weapon that has a long and rich history in Indonesia. The keris is not only a dagger but also a spiritual object that is believed to have magical powers. The origins of the keris are shrouded in mystery, but clues to the antiquity of its existence can be found in the ancient carvings and bas-reliefs of Java.
The word keris may have derived from the old Javanese word ngeris, which means “to stab” or “to pierce”. The term kris is a European rendering of this Javanese term and is more commonly used in the Western world. The keris has a distinctive, asymmetrical shape, with a wavy or straight blade that is often decorated with intricate patterns. The hilt and the scabbard are also elaborately carved and adorned with various materials, such as gold, silver, ivory, wood, or horn.
Read More
Records related to the keris date back to the tenth century, and most likely originated from the island of Java, which was the centre of the Hindu-Buddhist Mataram Kingdom. Some of the most famous depictions of the keris can be seen on the bas-reliefs of Borobudur and Prambanan temples, which show warriors and deities wielding the keris in battle or in ritual ceremonies. The keris was also used as a symbol of royalty and nobility and was often given as a gift or a pledge of allegiance between rulers and vassals, or as a means of settling disputes and conflicts.
The keris was not only a physical weapon but also a spiritual one. The keris was considered to have a soul or a spirit, which could influence the fate and fortune of its owner and treated with respect and reverence. Various rituals and ceremonies were performed to enhance its power and appease its spirit. The keris was also believed to have a personality and a preference, which could affect its compatibility with its owner. Some keris were said to be loyal, protective, or benevolent, while others were said to be rebellious, jealous, or malevolent.
The keris is still a part of the Indonesian culture and heritage today, especially among the Javanese people. The keris is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity and is celebrated for its artistic value and cultural significance. The keris is also used as a symbol of national identity and pride, as well as a source of inspiration and creativity for various fields of art and literature.
