KERIS Traditional Indonesia’s Weapon

Keris is one of Indonesian’s traditional weapon, especiallyJavanese. Since 40th Century, Indonesia people has been using this weapon for any kind of purpose. In ancient times, they used it during war time to defend themselves, or as symbolic icon for a kingdom or an empire. In modern times, it has now become prestigious collections and heritage from their ancestors, and some believes that Keris has “a mystic power” of it’s own thus, is believe to be able to bring luck or protections to it’s bearer.

Every Keris is custom made. Created by it’s creator, the “Empu”, keris is made based on specific order and is talking the bearer characters into consideration during the making. Therefore, it has it’s own name, it’s own style and is made made based on specific purposes. Each of this weapon has it’s own rishfulness and characteristic. Not only of their appearance, but every keris is made with full integrity and is contain a lot of faith put by their creator.

That is why this weapon is very special and most of the time, you can feel it’s mystical aura, the first time you saw it.


Keris Luk 13

Dapur : Naga Sastra
Pamor : Wos Wutah
Tanguh : Mataram Senopaten
Wrangka : Branggah Jogjakarta

Naga Sastra is one of the name (Dapur) of Keris with Luk 13. it’s “Gendik”(handle) styles is in the shape of dragon’s head. It’s body straight away to the table of “pucuk bilah”. Although it is hardly to find, the most legendary one of the “Dapur” Keris of this kind is “Keris Naga Sastra Tangguh Tua”. Mostly, Keris “Dapur Naga Sastra” adorned with gold “Kinatah”, so the the style reflects the Glorius and Powerfull.

This Keris has it’s own style with slender blade that resembling mostly of Keris Mataram Senopaten Style. It is similar to Majapahit KEris, but the iron and the “pamor” arrangement is different. The style of the “Wadidhang” shows that it is a Mataram Senopaton’s Style.

This stylecame from the end of Majapahit Empire or beginning era of Mataram Senopaten’s Empire (end of 15 century or beginning of it century) this Keris used to have “Kinantah Kamoragan” (with gold slide) but along with the passing time it has been slide off. But as one assembly, this keris Dapur Naga Sastra is indicated as a snake and also known as Keris Dapur Sisik Sewu.

In Javanese Culture, Dragon is a reflection of protector. That is whywe could find many of these image at Hindu temple’s entrance or in other ornamented that was built in ancient tie. Beside believed as protector, image of a Dragon also reflects Power that is why Keris with Dapur Naga Sastra is perceived to be the most powerfull and most valuable than other Keris.

Keris Luk 7

Dapur : Carubuk
Pamor : Tumpal Keli
Tangguh : Blambangan
Wrangka : Branggah Jogja Kayu Cendana
Pondok : Slorok Jogja Perak

In Javanese terminology, 7 is called “Pitu” or “Pitulangan” which means Help or Rescue.

In the Golden age of Majapahit Empire (estimed in 15th century), Malaka’s Canal is known as a trade center.

During that era, a lot of people around the world used this canal as a trading passage. However, as a business center in this area, they were also facing problems from pirates which threatened this busy line.

To fight the pirates and to provide security for the surrounding area, Majapahit’s Emperor dedicater “Keris Carubuk Tumpal Keli Blambangan” as a symbol to fight against pirates, with expectation that Sultan Malaka would have them to secure the Malaka’s Canal from this pirates, honoring the Maja pahit’s effort to provide security.

Finally, Sultan Malaka provided rescue team to secure Malaka’s Canal area from the pirates. After that, The Malaka’s Canal is back to normal.