Which of these are truly old keris?

[Bjorn]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

In essence, the keris is a bridge that can join humanity.

Alan, in regards to the above part, I feel this is a very fitting function in a Hindu-Buddhist society. I am thinking that it is probably also appropriate to Islam, but as we know Islam in Indonesia is often still the top layer of religious expression, with layers of Hinduism, Buddhism and traditional beliefs underneath.

[A. G. Maisey]

Bjorn, my comment in post 18 was intended as a general observation, a reference to the nature of the keris, not any sort of reference to any present day situation, nor a reference that had anything at all to do with any religious system.

Your previous comment in post 17 that :-

"--- it is wonderful to see how the keris brings together people from around the world."

I thought to be open to the drawing of an analogy between a bridge that permits people to cross a physical barrier, and discussion of an object, in this case the keris, which permits people to negotiate cultural, societal and philosophical barriers.

In the context of my comment, no religious system played any part in the analogy that I drew.

[Bjorn]

Alan, I was unclear in my response. I did not mean to say that your comment was meant in a religious context. My words were poorly chosen.

This context is simply something that ocurred to me personally. I did not mean to imply any intention on your part, nor am I claiming that this rumination of mine is in fact how the keris was perceived by people during Hindu-Buddhist times in nusantara.

The thought that occured to me was that an item - in casu the keris - acting as a physical reminder that all human beings are connected to one another, would fit well within the context of a Hindu-Buddhist worldview.

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes Bjorn, understood.