The traditional art of keris making

Pusaka · 15th December 2011, 11:30 AM

What’s your thoughts on this article in which Pak Mazin's says that the keris he makes are actually made of seven metals literally which I always thought was symbolic rather then literal. Is it possible that “some” keris are actually made from a complex alloy of seven metals?

According to Pak Mazin, making a keris is a very compartmentalised operation, starting with acquiring hardwoods from the jungle for the sarong (casing) and ulu (handles). Kemuning, sena, petai belalang and surian are some of his favourite woods. Then begins the process of carving and polishing them, but probably the most difficult part of the whole process is the making of the bilah (blade). For this, he has to forge seven types of metals over a hot fire in his workshop and to hammer the blade into the required shape.

Pak Mazin lives in the village with some of his 12 children. In recognition of his skills, the government has, recently, helped finance the building of a small showroom next to his house where visitors can view his works or make a purchase.So the next time you visit Kuala Kangsar, make a detour to Padang Changkat to visit the master keris maker
http://sitbatan.blogspot.com/2010/12/art-of-keris.html

15th December 2011, 11:30 AM	#1
Pusaka Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 341	The traditional art of keris making What’s your thoughts on this article in which Pak Mazin's says that the keris he makes are actually made of seven metals literally which I always thought was symbolic rather then literal. Is it possible that “some” keris are actually made from a complex alloy of seven metals? According to Pak Mazin, making a keris is a very compartmentalised operation, starting with acquiring hardwoods from the jungle for the sarong (casing) and ulu (handles). Kemuning, sena, petai belalang and surian are some of his favourite woods. Then begins the process of carving and polishing them, but probably the most difficult part of the whole process is the making of the bilah (blade). For this, he has to forge seven types of metals over a hot fire in his workshop and to hammer the blade into the required shape. Pak Mazin lives in the village with some of his 12 children. In recognition of his skills, the government has, recently, helped finance the building of a small showroom next to his house where visitors can view his works or make a purchase.So the next time you visit Kuala Kangsar, make a detour to Padang Changkat to visit the master keris maker http://sitbatan.blogspot.com/2010/12/art-of-keris.html