Keris The Javanness Traditional Culture

In Javanese society, Keris, or dagger, is used to complement in Javanese traditional clothing. A dagger itself has a lot of philosophy that is still closely in relation to Javanese people. Philosophical meaning contained in it can be seen starting from the manufacturing process to become an heirloom for the owner.

As the time goes by and modernization, we realize that preserving this heritage needs to be done so as not going to be eroded by development of the era. Keris, or in the Java language called tosan aji, derived from the word tosan which means iron and aji means respected, so Keris is an embodiment in the form of iron and believed that its content has a meaning that must be respected. It does not mean to be worshiped but should be respected because it is a legacy culture of our ancestors which is valuable.

When we trace from the maker, or so-called masters, Keris has a history in the making of a masterpiece that has a high aesthetic value. The masters making it not to kill but as piyandel or grip that is believed to increase the dignity and confidence of the owner. Making Keris is not an easy job, it requires tenacity, perseverance, and strong mental, so the makers have to ask for guidance from God through fasting, meditating, and offerings to obtain raw materials.

Keris got special treatment, such as storing, opening the sheath, and maintaining them. This has become a tradition for generations still carried by the Javanese society who still believe.  Spiritual power inside dagger is believed to cause a prestige or suggestions to the owner.

During the Majapahit kingdom, dagger is divided by two frameworks which is still a reference for the masters or Keris makers, those are Gayaman and Ladrang/Branggah. Gayaman often used as a complementary clothes for Javanese-Jogjakarta, and Ladrang for Javanese-Surakarta.

Philosophical value of a dagger can be seen from its form, or referred to as dapur, or can also be seen from its fame or motives. Keris is no longer as weapon, but the Javanese society interpreting it as ageman or simply used as a complementary clothes which still has spiritual value, and as evidence of humans whom born, live, and died until re-united to God as Manunggaling Kawulo Gusti.

Parts of the dagger are:

1.   Warangka

     is sheath

2.   Wilah

     is iron which is the main part of Keris, which is usually grooved

3.   Gagang

     is Keris handle

Examples of Keris:

-     Keris Mpu Gandring

-     Keris Pusaka Setan Kober

-     Keris Kyai Sengkelat

-     Keris Pusaka Nagasasra Sabuk Inten

-     Keris Kyai Carubuk

-     Keris Kyai Condong Campur

-     Keris Taming Sari

In this present time, some of Indonesian people still believe that the dagger has the power to increase the fame of a person, mainly used by the leaders. The fame of a dagger is usually seen in the amount of groove or luk.

We have to believe that the dagger is a cultural treasure and should we preserve as the nation's cultural heritage.