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David · 26th August 2006, 04:27 PM

Thanks for you imput Boedhi. I have also had a problem finding this dapur in any book on keris. I think i understand your meaning, but just to be clear could you possible define the term "Palawija/Kalawija" for us? Thanks.

I would also think that for ceremonial dress Triadi would want the ladrang (formal) form of sheath as opposed to the gayaman form, yes?

KRMH Triadi · 28th August 2006, 04:42 AM

Hi Boedhi

I know my sheath is Jogja's but since that I am a new member of the court, so I have not received any suggestion yet about my attire during the ceremony. I intend to figure out it by myself hehehe..., then maybe I should change the sheath to Solo's one. I also have that information about the exhibition, but I live in Jakarta since my work is in Jakarta. I am looking for a good "red wood" somebody's told me, so I can dress my keris with it since now I am an immediate family to the king. Thank you very much for the information, I gain a lot from all of you...

Best regards

A. G. Maisey · 29th August 2006, 12:21 AM

My warmest greetings, Kanjeng Triadi.

You may live in Jakarta, but as a member of the Surakarta Court , you have access to the personal advice of a number of people who are very learned in keris knowledge, and in the correct way in which to conduct ones self at court.

I most humbly suggest that at your earliest opportunity you seek out a senior member of the court and request his guidance.

You are now faced with responsibilities that go far beyond those raised by your initial enquiry in this Forum, and it would seem to me that you do need assistance in order to acquit yourself honourably in your new environment.

At certain times in our lives we all need a mentor, perhaps a little quiet reflection may indicate to you that you have reached a time in your life when you need to seek this mentor.

Boedhi Adhitya · 29th August 2006, 06:50 AM

Hi David,

According to the Javanese 'traditional consensus', a keris which had luk more than 13 or had an 'odd shape' could be classified in general term as 'Palawija/Kalawija', while it may has it's own specific dhapur such as Kala Bendhu (luk-29). I prefer, and believe, the correct term should be 'Palawija', the term came from agricultural language which means the crops other than 'main crops' such as peanuts or cassava, other than rice, which usually planted in ricefield after the rice had been harvested. It is interval crops between two rice's planting season.
Thus, dhapur Palawijas are dhapurs other than 'main dhapurs'. It is believed to be reserved for those who have 'unusual purpose' or 'extraordinary characteristic' such as an artist. It is not necessarily good nor bad, it is just 'unusual'. When assessing such kerises, I suggest we assess the authenticity and workmanship first, while the 'uniqueness' come last. Please do not extend this 'consensus' to other cultures, as they may had other standards. In fact, a keris with luk more than 13 quite often in Bali's blades.

Regarding Kanjeng Triadi's, I couldn't gave any comment as I had not handle it personally. If we encounter this kind of keris, authenticy should always came as the first issue. But since Kanjeng Triadi inherited this, I believe authenticity is not an issue for he himself.

About the sheath, yes, I agree with you David, Ladrang (or Branggah for Jogjakarta's similar style) would be the 'all-seasons' keris sheath, hard to be wrong when you wear it. It is OK to wear the ladrang in informal situation, it is just you have to be very careful not to chip the tip of it (which may cost you a lot of tears

). Gayaman, the more 'casual' and robust sheath, may allow you to became active/work. The Jogjakarta's court abdi dalem usually wear Gayaman on their daily attendance for this reason. (Some may wear Branggah also, and OK).

Kanjeng Triadi,

I absolutely agree with Alan's suggestion. Just an addition, as you live in Jakarta, you probably may contact 'Panji Nusantara', the Jakarta-based keris devotee association ( panjinusantara@yahoo.com ) or Damartaji. Please use your senses, never buy stories and be very careful if it start to involve money. Not everyone honest. And neither do I

What kind of 'red wood' do you mean? Did you mean 'red-lacquered pendok' instead ? IMHO, traditionally, there would be only 3 kinds of wood prefered : Sandalwood, Timoho, and Trembalo. In Surakarta sheath, I would love to have a sandalwood gandar iras sheath. I seen several good-cut,newly made sandalwood and ivory ladrangs (both are not gandar iras, especially the ivory, off course) last June in Kompas exhibiton last June. You may go after them, if you wish.

best regards,

boedhi adhitya

26th August 2006, 04:27 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Thanks for you imput Boedhi. I have also had a problem finding this dapur in any book on keris. I think i understand your meaning, but just to be clear could you possible define the term "Palawija/Kalawija" for us? Thanks. I would also think that for ceremonial dress Triadi would want the ladrang (formal) form of sheath as opposed to the gayaman form, yes?

28th August 2006, 04:42 AM	#2
KRMH Triadi Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Indonesia Posts: 7	Hi Boedhi I know my sheath is Jogja's but since that I am a new member of the court, so I have not received any suggestion yet about my attire during the ceremony. I intend to figure out it by myself hehehe..., then maybe I should change the sheath to Solo's one. I also have that information about the exhibition, but I live in Jakarta since my work is in Jakarta. I am looking for a good "red wood" somebody's told me, so I can dress my keris with it since now I am an immediate family to the king. Thank you very much for the information, I gain a lot from all of you... Best regards

29th August 2006, 12:21 AM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,992	My warmest greetings, Kanjeng Triadi. You may live in Jakarta, but as a member of the Surakarta Court , you have access to the personal advice of a number of people who are very learned in keris knowledge, and in the correct way in which to conduct ones self at court. I most humbly suggest that at your earliest opportunity you seek out a senior member of the court and request his guidance. You are now faced with responsibilities that go far beyond those raised by your initial enquiry in this Forum, and it would seem to me that you do need assistance in order to acquit yourself honourably in your new environment. At certain times in our lives we all need a mentor, perhaps a little quiet reflection may indicate to you that you have reached a time in your life when you need to seek this mentor.

29th August 2006, 06:50 AM	#4
Boedhi Adhitya Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 103	Hi David, According to the Javanese 'traditional consensus', a keris which had luk more than 13 or had an 'odd shape' could be classified in general term as 'Palawija/Kalawija', while it may has it's own specific dhapur such as Kala Bendhu (luk-29). I prefer, and believe, the correct term should be 'Palawija', the term came from agricultural language which means the crops other than 'main crops' such as peanuts or cassava, other than rice, which usually planted in ricefield after the rice had been harvested. It is interval crops between two rice's planting season. Thus, dhapur Palawijas are dhapurs other than 'main dhapurs'. It is believed to be reserved for those who have 'unusual purpose' or 'extraordinary characteristic' such as an artist. It is not necessarily good nor bad, it is just 'unusual'. When assessing such kerises, I suggest we assess the authenticity and workmanship first, while the 'uniqueness' come last. Please do not extend this 'consensus' to other cultures, as they may had other standards. In fact, a keris with luk more than 13 quite often in Bali's blades. Regarding Kanjeng Triadi's, I couldn't gave any comment as I had not handle it personally. If we encounter this kind of keris, authenticy should always came as the first issue. But since Kanjeng Triadi inherited this, I believe authenticity is not an issue for he himself. About the sheath, yes, I agree with you David, Ladrang (or Branggah for Jogjakarta's similar style) would be the 'all-seasons' keris sheath, hard to be wrong when you wear it. It is OK to wear the ladrang in informal situation, it is just you have to be very careful not to chip the tip of it (which may cost you a lot of tears ). Gayaman, the more 'casual' and robust sheath, may allow you to became active/work. The Jogjakarta's court abdi dalem usually wear Gayaman on their daily attendance for this reason. (Some may wear Branggah also, and OK). Kanjeng Triadi, I absolutely agree with Alan's suggestion. Just an addition, as you live in Jakarta, you probably may contact 'Panji Nusantara', the Jakarta-based keris devotee association ( panjinusantara@yahoo.com ) or Damartaji. Please use your senses, never buy stories and be very careful if it start to involve money. Not everyone honest. And neither do I What kind of 'red wood' do you mean? Did you mean 'red-lacquered pendok' instead ? IMHO, traditionally, there would be only 3 kinds of wood prefered : Sandalwood, Timoho, and Trembalo. In Surakarta sheath, I would love to have a sandalwood gandar iras sheath. I seen several good-cut,newly made sandalwood and ivory ladrangs (both are not gandar iras, especially the ivory, off course) last June in Kompas exhibiton last June. You may go after them, if you wish. best regards, boedhi adhitya