20th Century Solonese Keris

[Boedhi Adhitya]

Actually, there are some money for keris protection. There is also an Action Plan for Protection, Revitalization and Development of Indonesian Keris. But Unesco will not give the money until Indonesian government signed/ratified the Unesco's convention for protecting cultural heritage. The document is already in the secretary of states office, waiting to be passed to the DPR/parliament for ratification. SNKI has been trying very hard to push it, but as we all know, the bureaucracy work very slow, not even to consider the parliament's priority today. It is also worth to note that the fund would be considerably reduced, as Unesco is trying to tighten their budget now.

Today's kerismakers would be more concern to the low acceptance of newly made keris than to patenting the design. We all know that people would love the old blades more than the new ones. It is hard to sell the new keris 'as it is'. Irresponsible dealer (and makers too) would be artificially aging the blade, to make it look older. Many makers also trying very hard to copy the nem-neman (than making their own styles), as it is easier to sell to the inexperienced ones. So, it is easily understood that many makers, as Alan said, would like to keep their works and themselves anonymous, because once their works easily identified by the market (as a new blade, certainly), it will be harder for them to sell their works. Sukamdi is one among very small keris makers who enjoys the niche market of the new-keris collectors. Even so, only small amount of money go into his pocket, as the larger amount would go into the dealer's.

Actually, the real threat to keris culture is the popular misunderstanding that keris is a dukun's tool, and thus, an evil things. This misunderstanding amplified by massmedia such as TVs and movies, and keep alive by those who make living from it. This misunderstanding leads to two ends : 'keris avoidance', that is, peoples are reluctant to deal with keris/tosan aji, even if they inherit it. Other is the tendency of some religion leaders/priests, whom are lack of understanding, against the keris/tosan aji.

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by Boedhi Adhitya

... Actually, the real threat to keris culture is the popular misunderstanding that keris is a dukun's tool, and thus, an evil things. This misunderstanding amplified by massmedia such as TVs and movies, and keep alive by those who make living from it. This misunderstanding leads to two ends : 'keris avoidance', that is, peoples are reluctant to deal with keris/tosan aji, even if they inherit it. Other is the tendency of some religion leaders/priests, whom are lack of understanding, against the keris/tosan aji.

I agree. Even in Singapore and Malaysia, the same problem exists. On hindsight, we can still get keris for a reasonably low price... from those who wish to part with it.

[A. G. Maisey]

Pak Boedhi, seldom do I read anything about keris with which I am in total agreement.

I endorse your comments completely.

[ganjawulung]

Wow,

Interesting discussion. Thanks Alan, David, Raden, Shahrial and all.. Go ahead. Still have no idea yet...

[Raden Usman Djogja]

hi Kerislovers,

From now, I realize how really difficult to patent a thing (especially a thing likes keris). If patenting is considered as "impossible" action, I would like to highlight the idea beneath.... (recognition, champaign, recording). Anymean can use for it, sure, including this forum.

Dik Boedhi,
how wonderful your explanation.
yupe, too many problems/difficulties.
lets go along the edge.

Usmen

[ganjawulung]

Oops,

Don't forget, Raden... to post your "urubing damar"...

[Raden Usman Djogja]

Gonjo,

I promise to send it.

I apologize if there will be delayed email sending. This morning, I got information that Indonesian Minister of Finance and Governor of Central Bank would visit Senegal started on next Sunday. Because of that, I forgot to take picture Urubing Damar before leaving home.

Now, I am still in the office. So this is my new scenario. I will take picture this late evening and upload by tomorrow afternoon (in the morning, there will be a meeting).

Keris description (based on my sense):
urubing damar, sepang, mojopahit, kelengan.
Tomorrow, I would like to ask (demand ) your opinion about it.

Usmen

[Raden Usman Djogja]

Originally Posted by ganjawulung

Oops,

Don't forget, Raden... to post your "urubing damar"...

Gonjo,

here, I post "urubing dilah"

I request your comments

Usmen