Sepuh or ipuh in a keris
Sepuhan or ipuh in a keris
There are some variations in regards to applying sepuhan/ipuh in a keris blade. The most common sepuhan usually done from above the sor-soran to the tip of the keris which resulted in blackish coloration along the sepuhan part of the blade (as shown in the keris Bugis picture here). But there are also keris which are given sepuhan only on the tip (as shown in the keris Minang picture here). However, the common sepuhan which is done from above the sor-soran to the top can sometimes also bear different characteristic of coloration on the blade (as shown in the keris Pagaralam picture here: ribbon like pattern from above the sor-soran to the middle of the blade and blackish from the middle to the tip).
I also attached a page taken from a book in regards with "sepuhan" process in the keris making. It says that sepuhan may also be done using poison taken from various plants (called "sepuh racun") or using venom/poison originated from various animals (called "sepuh upas"). However, this is maybe a subject to dispute since "upas" itself leterally means a species of poisonous tree (Antiaris toxicaria) which is known to be used in Java (and maybe also in the other part of the archipelago?).
Also, the existence of a poisonous keris is always a subject to debate. Moreover, if the process of infusing the poison to the blade is done through "sepuhan" which involves very high temperature, enough to denaturate proteins found in the poison or venom originated from plants or animals.
It left us some questions:
1. Why there are different types of sepuhan in the keris?
2. What is the actual purpose of this "sepuhan" process in the keris making? Is it having the same purpose as "quenching" in the blade making or is there more purpose to it?
3. Is there literally exist a "poisonous keris"?
What is your view on this matter? Please let me know in the comment below.
Source:
Doyodipuro, KRHT Hudoyo. 1997. Keris: Daya Magic, Manfaat, Tuah, Misteri. Semarang: Dahara Prize.
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