A. G. Maisey Is there literature about studies of Keris and mysticism that you can recommend for a good read? I would be keen to learn how Keris progressed from an actual weapon to a pusaka with esoteric qualities. In comparison, I don't see similar historical tendency with other sword-type weapons like Katanas, Kukri, Chinese swords etc.
It's fascinating to find a weapon (could) be associated with the same group as jimat. Even rumors claimed that some Keris were not made by empus but pulled or materialized out of thin air, i.e. pusaka tarikan.
I wonder if this was a product of the old animism that still exists today even after Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and others came to Nusantara. Or perhaps, religion and culture are inseparable as beliefs are uniquely cultural, e.g. Kejawen. Despite dismissal of such practices by religious leaders. A paradox. It is multi-faceted subject as you mentioned.
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