Keris are long daggers designed for close combat. Their blades are often spectacularly decorated, making them as much an art piece as a weapon. The upper part of the blade typically features curlicues, barbs, or intricate figures carved into it. The silver and black damascene patterns that run along the length of the blade are created through a meticulous process called pamor, where alternating layers of iron are beaten to reveal the design. This technique not only enhances the blade’s beauty but also signifies its mystical properties.
Many keris also have wavy blades, resembling flames or the sinuous motion of a snake. These curves, known as luk, typically come in odd numbers. This design is not merely aesthetic; it reflects the spiritual beliefs of the Balinese people. The blade of the keris is considered a portable shrine, akin to the multi-tiered roofs of Balinese temples. In both instances, the higher the number of curves or tiers, the higher the spirit believed to inhabit them.
Creating a keris was a deeply spiritual process in traditional Balinese society. The smiths, or empus, required more than just technical skills; they needed to perform specific rituals and recite mantras at every stage of the forging process. These rituals imbued the keris with a distinct “personality” and efficacy, making each blade unique. This spiritual essence needed to be maintained through regular offerings and rituals, symbolically reproducing the keris's creation.
One such ritual is observed on Tumpek Landep, a day sacred to metal objects and weapons, especially the keris. This day falls on Saturday-Kliwon in the Balinese week of Landep, which means “sharp.” On Tumpek Landep, keris are taken down from their shrines, cleaned, and rubbed with oil. They are then purified with holy water and provided with offerings. The most significant offering is the tebasan pasupati, which includes red ingredients such as the meat of a red chicken, red rice, red fruits, red pastries, and a dab of chicken blood. This offering is believed to recharge the keris's “kesaktian,” or mystical power.
In contemporary times, while the practical use of keris in combat has diminished, their cultural and spiritual significance remains strong. They are revered as heirlooms, symbols of power, and embodiments of ancestral spirits. The keris continues to be a potent emblem of the intricate relationship between the material and spiritual worlds in Balinese culture, reflecting a rich heritage that persists through generations.
Keris: The Spiritual and Cultural Icon of Southeast Asia
