The basics of keris understanding?

[David]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Jussi has mentioned the "core" of understanding of the keris, but this core could vary for different people. For the person who pursues the ideals of Kejawen, the core could be quite different to the core of the anthropologist or ethnologist. These in turn could be very different to the core of the dealer or of the committed collector.

So, can we firstly identify which "core" we might like to look more closely at?

I completely agree Alan, this could, indeed, be a most important thread. Perhaps members are hesitant to start here due to what you have stated above. Hopeful once we identify what "core" we are discussing this conversation will take off.
For me i would have to say that one of the most important "core" values in understand the keris would be making an attempt to understand the culture. I do not believe that the keris can be grasped in a vacuum. I would recommend reading all you can find about it.