Your Ultimate Guide to Keris: Dagger of Life and Death
Everything you need to know about the deadliest and most celebrated daggers of the Nusantara
Author : Steve Hanafi (Silat Sharaf Practitioner, Malaysia)
Origins of the “Dagger of Legends”
The Keris is one of the most iconic and revered weapons of the Nusantara, the region which is now mostly known as Malaysia and Indonesia. One of the earliest Keris ever found was believed to be from the 5th century in central Java, the main island of Indonesia. It is a dagger-like weapon famously used by warriors, rulers, and commoners alike in early Nusantara Kingdoms in the Malay Archipelago and was considered as one of the most recognized symbols of the Nusantara.
According to Zainuddin and Shahrim in their book Senjata Warisan (2007), the name Keris originates from ancient Javanese, “Malang Kerik” which means to hold one’s arm at his waist. This was a reference to the figure of a person holding his arm at his waist which was carved at the hilt of the Keris in the early stages. Another belief is that the word Keris is from the verb “ngeris” which means to stab or pierce in Javanese language.
One of its most unique and intriguing features is the double-edged wavy blade that comes with the elaborately carved hilt and sheath. But the Keris isn’t just a weapon. It is a symbol of class, an identification of where you’re from, and a ceremonial symbolic and coronation regalia for royalty. In this respect it is used to symbolize the transfer of authority, power, and responsibility to a new Sultan until today.
It can be also seen on many coats of arms such as the Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat) and the Royal Malaysian Police Force (Polis Diraja Malaysia). Generally, the Keris can be divided into 7 different types which are: Keris Semenanjung, Keris Pekakak, Keris Jawa, Keris Sumatera, Keris Bali, Keris Bugis, and finally Keris Sundang. Each has different materials and designs but all are equally stunning in their manufacture.
The beautiful and deadly Lok of the Keris
The Keris Maker or “Pandai Keris”
The person who forges the Keris in Malaysia is known as Pandai Keris, or in our brother country, Indonesia, as Empu Keris. The process of making a Keris is very detailed, intricate, and strict. And it generally takes weeks, months, and sometimes a whole year to finish a more complex piece. Usually, the Empu Keris either learns it with a teacher or it is passed down from the previous generation, such as from father to son.
Malaysian politician Hishammuddin Hussein kissing his Keris at a national ceremony
The Philosophy behind Keris
Unlike forging other typical knives, the making of Keris has its own philosophies, such as the Lok (wave) of the Keris, with each curve having meaning beyond the obvious fighting element. Lok 5 represents the 5 pillars of Islam, Lok 7 represents Tawaf (Islamic ritual of pilgrimage in Mecca), and Lok 13 represents the Rukun Solat, the fundamentals of prayer. Before the arrival of Islam in the Nusantara, Hindu and Buddhist beliefs had primary influence on the philosophy of the Keris via the Singhasari Empire, their successors the Majapahit, and the Sriwijaya Empire which was one of the earliest pre-Islamic Malay kingdoms. It was believed that the origin of the carving of the hilt was from a Buddha statue, but as Islam came, the carvings were changed into animals and other motifs.
The Lok, the signature wave of the blade, was always set in an odd number, because an even number is considered perfection, and nothing is perfect except God himself. Odd represents a flaw, hence most Keris have an odd Lok which is representative of the human being who has his flaws as well. However, there are a few Keris out there with an even number of Lok, this symbolized that it was the last Keris to be made by the Empu.
The Sampir (boat-shaped crown) symbolizes the shape of a classical Perahu (boat), which is why it is sometimes called Perahu Keris. The philosophy behind it is that the blade of the Keris represents a person who is a sailor, the Lok represents the wave of the sea, and the Sampir is the boat or ship. The sea is a powerful identity of the Archipelago people and captured beautifully in the sobriquet used to refer to the Nusantara: “Tanah Air”, which literally means Land of Water. The philosophy of the Sampir teaches a lesson of strategy which the ancient empires felt was imperative: Those who conquer the sea, conquer the world.
Hulu Keris (The Hilt)
The material used to make the hilt is usually superior-grade wood from local trees. However, it can vary depending on the requests of the person commissioning the work. More exclusive materials include whale’s teeth, elephant ivory, rhino horn, or gold.
Bilah Keris (The Blade)
The blade is forged using exquisite materials & follows strict guidelines. The Keris blade was a proof that early Nusantara civilization surpassed its time in terms of technology related to metallurgy. It is believed that there are over 50 different types of steel used to make Keris. Among them are, Pulasani, Mangangkang Jaler, Mangangkang Estri, Walulin, Katub, Kamboja, Ambal, Winduadi, Tumpang, Werani, Welangi, Terate, Malelaruyun, Malelagendhaga, Kenur, Tumbuk & Baitung (M.T Ariffin, 2006). Each Keris is forged using at least seven different types of steel, all of which are crafted manually, without machines, further proof that Pandai Keris were scientists of their time. Generally, the Keris is named and classified according to the geographical location where it is forged. For example, Keris Pattani is made in the areas of Pattani or Kelantan (Thailand/Malaysia border), Keris Jawa is forged in the Javenese Islands, and Keris Minang is from Sumatra, etc.
The Pandai Keris working his magic
Forging the Keris: Art and Lost Knowledge
The Keris stands as a philosophical and mysterious symbol in its manufacturing and forging processes. The process is highly associated with its forging philosophy, and the philosophy in turn connected to the physical material used to make the Keris. The various rituals and spiritual elements that are involved in the physical Keris forging process is what makes this blade so mystical. It is a very detailed, intricate, and strict process which takes weeks, months, and sometimes a whole year to finish. According to Basuki (2008), a Keris maker will gather steels from nine districts. The materials are cleaned before being heated until it glows red, then it is forged multiple times. Because of the strikes and hammers, the steel will elongate and will be folded into a “U” shape which will later be hammered until both ends meet. The process is repeated until the steel reduces in shape and weight where the original steel can weigh up to 18kg, then weigh in at about 7-9kg. After being forged, the blade is then quenched into water that is taken from at least three different rivers. The steel made from this forging process is known as “Besi 9 Desa” (Steel of 9 Districts). After the quenching process, the blade is placed at high ground for forty-four days. The philosophy behind this is that the Keris will later have immeasurable greatness.
For high quality Keris, usually the steel will have layers that are folded hundreds, sometimes thousands of times. The final stage is where the blade is soaked in sulphuric acid, arsenic, or cyanide, which gives the Keris its Pamor (signature pattern on the blade) and the potent poison that it is famed for.
A few taboos worth noting during the process of forging the Keris are: It must be made early in the morning. There should be no talking while making it. The Keris should never be forged while the Empu is angry. No curse words are allowed to be spoken. And the Keris must not be placed below the navel. (Bambang, 2004)
Sarung Keris (The Sheath)
The sheath is made up of two different parts, Sampir (Wrangka or the boat-shaped crown) and Batang Serunai (Gandar or the long shaft) and the forging process of the Sarung begins on a certain day of the month and finishes within a specific number of days. Some parts of the Keris do not have any translation into the English language as the name is native to the Nusantara and have no direct English equivalent. The wood used to make the Sampir is harder than the ones used to make the Batang Serunai. According to Professor Muati, a Keris researcher, the wood used to make the Sampir is black gold wood, saga wood and acacia wood. The main reason for this is so that it serves as a holder which gives a firm retention for the Keris blade so that it won’t fall off easily even when it is placed upside down or being shaken around. Because of this locking mechanism, there is a specific method to draw the Keris from its sheath by pressing on the Sampir and pushing it off using the thumb. Meteor is also used as one of the materials, when available. It is believed to possess cosmic universal powers and will grant the user strength, vitality, and greater understanding of the universe.
Other than the hilt and the blade, the sampir of the sheath also tells the origin of the wearer. It is almost like an ID card for a person in the olden days. It can also tell the lineage and descent of a person as it is symbolic of one’s rank and position in the society. Just by looking at one’s Sampir, a person can identify the type of Keris that is inside and what the lineage is. For example, Sampir Tebeng is used for Bilah (blade) Bugis, Semenanjung and Pahang, different regions and places that are distinct.
Keris as a Display of Status, Identity and Power
The Keris Sundang: A battlefield favorite due to its robustness
The Keris isn’t just a weapon, it is a symbol of class, an identification of where you’re from, and a ceremonial and coronation regalia for royalty. In that light, it is also used to symbolize the transfer of authority, power, and responsibility to a new Sultan.
Even during the forging process, Pandai Keris will wear different clothing for different people of power. When forging for royalty, he will wear yellow to signify absolute power in the realm. For a Panglima or Pendekar (warrior), he will wear all black with a red sash to signify bravery and mastery of Pencak Silat knowledge. And for ordinary people, he will wear normal clothing. (Haryono, 2005)
Even the number of Lok on a Keris has different meaning and is worn by different classes of people.
Lok 1 – For specific purposes, such as customs and traditional events
Lok 3 - Worn by commoners and regular people day-to-day
Lok 5 - Worn by religious scholars, as the 5 Lok represent the five pillars of Islam
Lok 7 – Worn by palace officials such as the Laksamana (admiral) or Panglima (commander)
Lok 9 – Symbol of wisdom and leadership (worn by kings and government officials)
Lok 11 – Symbolizes the owner who aspires to pursue economic and social progress
Lok 13 – Symbolizes the owner who is fierce, this was also used by the men who stood at the frontlines in a battle, the bravest of the brave
It was written in the historical records of Johor, in 1824, The Resident of Singapore, John Crawford voiced his opinion to ban the use of sharp weapons in public. As expected, it was blatantly rejected by the Sultan as it was better for Malay men to walk out naked than to be without a Keris at their waist. The culture of carrying a weapon, has its deep roots in Nusantara people and is something that runs deep in the blood.
The Killing Dagger
The application of the blade is primarily in stabbing rather than a cutting motion, as warriors soaked Warangan (arsenic) into their blades. When the Keris was thrust into their victim it was then snapped at the top of the fragile handle leaving the blade bits entrapped in the body. Other techniques are stabbing between the ribs, and on the way out, twisting so that fragments of the blade remain inside the body of the enemy, causing them to die a slow death as poison seeps into their body. That is of course if the thrust itself didn’t do the job right away!
Mythical and Mystical Powers
Nusantara people not only crafted the weapon but they also performed rituals upon it. The Keris continues to be shrouded in mystery with tales of deaths being caused by simply thrusting the knife into a victim’s footprint. Believed to possess magical powers, the Keris has appeared in traditional folktales across the Malay Archipelago. There are a few beliefs that the Keris has a “spirit” of its own. It knows who its owner is, being careful not to cut the owner while in battle. Some mystical tales tell the story of the Keris Terbang (Flying Keris) where the blade seemed to move on its own, killing all enemies in sight.
Infamous Keris of Legends
A Javanese Pendekar with his Keris behind his back
Keris Taming Sari
- Belonged to a Majapahit Pendekar (warrior) named Taming Sari. Hang Tuah, the famed Malay war chief, earned the Keris after killing Taming sari in an extraordinary duel on the island of Java. The sheath is covered with gold relief, made of over a dozen materials, is said to be able to float in the air, and able to move to any direction where the enemy is.
Keris Tempa Melaka
- Main Keris used by Hang Tuah. The blade has a length of almost 33 inches. The measurement follows specific measurements of the body of its owner.
Keris Kanjeng Kyai Condong Campur
- Said to be made by 100 Empu. It is strong and has a devilish aura that strikes fear in onlookers. It belonged to the Majapahit government mentioned in folklores.
Keris Empu Gandring
- From the Singhasari Empire in Malang, East Jawa, the predecessor of the Majapahit Empire. This Keris is famous for killing the elites of Singhasari, including its owner, Ken Arok. It was made by an Empu well-known for his supernatural abilities, Empu Gandring. And after receiving the famed Keris, Ken Arok stabbed Empu Gandring with the Keris. But before he took his final breath, the great forger cursed the Keris so it will require seven sacrifices to slake its thirst for blood. That sacred vengeance sealed the fate of the Singhasari elites and Ken Arok.
Conclusion
The Keris is a priceless artifact. A physical object with philosophies embedded in its forging. An heirloom filled with mystery. And a deadly weapon steeped in centuries of warfare. Every part of the Keris has connections to science, technology, religion, and philosophy. It is a symbol of the Nusantara and was inscribed in 2008 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, originally proclaimed in 2005. And it is inscribed in our hearts as the intangible heritage of our great art, Pencak Silat.