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FREE KERIS CHARTS!!!

Member of the keris association "Panji Nusantara: Paguyuban Pelestari Tosan Aji Nusantara"

Kerises for "Sale"

A note on the nature of the selling/acquisition of kerises and sacred items: the concept or principle of selling sacred items is not applied in the Javanese tradition. The concept of "dowry" is instead appropriated--or the exchange of hands of a sacred object. They call this "Mas Kawin" or "Mahar." It is understood that there should not be a bargaining of the dowry-price for the object between the one who releases it (the seller) and the interested party (the buyer). If the interested party does not agree on the price he simply leaves the object for another more within his budget and is his "soul-mate," or "jodoh" as it is called (the jodoh-concept actually has a much deeper significance--more related to a person's temperament). Thus, there is no standard price and no question of "over-pricing" or "cheating" on the cost. If a buyer likes the object and interested in acquiring it he would provide for whatever is requested by the releaser--exquisite/powerful kerises can fetch from US$100--$100,000. Kerises are regarded as brides and candidates for becoming the bridegroom have to treat them with respect and value them highly--before and after the "marriage." Most people are unfamiliar with this Javanese custom and thus find it confusing how kerises are priced--some are sold cheaply and are quite antique while some of contemporary production are offered expensively.

Contemporary kerises crafted through traditional methods and magickal processes in comparison with older blades are not to be belittled as many are wont to do, as they will in turn become old through the passage of time and will be intensively sought for by future collectors--the culture of kerises should be preserved and patrons required for their acquisition and preservation. Many of these contmporary kerises are exquisite.

In regards to magickal power, most old kerises have them and contemporary productions may have them as well--all of these are manufactured by "empus"--or "keris-smiths" that are recognized as experts in their field by royalty. These kerises are crafted along traditional spiritual lines utilizing alchemical and magickal principles and application, though modern-productions that forego the magickal/mechanical processes in keris-making can be found in abundance--many of these often appear in auction sites such as ebay. The power of a keris cannot be judged by the "age" or the century it was made, or even by the region it was produced--but by personally sensing its power and feeling a resonation with it--one keris may be powerful to one but not to another--this is basically an aspect of the "jodoh" or "soul-mate" principle. Generally speaking, empus differ from one another in their spiritual and psychic development--the higher they are in their spirituality, the more powerful the kerises they fashion as they are able to invoke and access divine energies and blessings, and have them channeled into their productions.

Powerful empus were found in every region where kerises are adored--the numbers of these artificers have dwindled in modern times. Kerises may be crafted with beauty in mind, others with power--often both of them are taken into consideration. Quite a number of Indonesian authorities on the subject of "kerisology" agree that kerises were mainly crafted for, and regarded as, cultural, magickal, and symbolical items and purposes and not as physical weapons--kerises are often carried, wielded, or kept for their talismanic value only. Nevertheless, it is true that the porous nature of the keris-blade adds an extra advantage when it comes to vanquishing opponents in hand combat--these blades often are soaked in poison (which the pores of the blade absorb) so that a single scratch can weaken the body or even cause a demise of an enemy who is fortunate enough to escape a battle. Traditional methods of cleansing a keris also make use of poisonous substances referred to as "warangan." The purpose of using this substance is for improving the contrast between the pamor and the rest of the blade and also for producing an anti-rust coating.

Keris-collecting is a fruitful and rewarding hobby--as a cultural and often historical item, not only is it an investment that acquires much value as time passes, powers of kerises also benefit their owners in various metaphysical ways that affords and promotes protection, prosperity, harmony, social status, etc. They possess a magickal force/intelligence that is often referred to as "khodam," or "servitor" in ceremonial magick--this could be an actual Nature Spirit or a living thought-form conferred with sentience and elemental-consciousness by the empu--often a keris may contain both types. Kerises also carry the spiritual signature of divine blessings.

Kerises are works of art, and like batik, gamelan music, wayang dances/puppet shows, etc., are a representation of the high sprititual culture and way of life of Javanese Kejawen philosophy whose ultimate goal is to unite Man with his Source, referred to as "Manunggaling Kawula Gusti." Kerises are regarded as symbolic of the microcosm, or Man, with its triune aspects of body, mind and soul--a reflection of the All.

Kerises hold mysteries no matter from what field of perspective we may adopt--mysteries that would disclose themselves through research, study and the daily occult interaction with them.

Most kerises do not come with their original sheaths and hilts (warangka, hulu, etc), these have deteriorated through the passage of time and keris collectors are also fond of changing these and other accessories to suit their taste. Kerises are often regarded as family heirlooms and passed down from generation to generation. They only require a minimum of care by anointing once a year (or more often as required) with certain aromatic oils to prevent rust and corrotion. When hung on walls, stored or displayed, it is preferable that their tips be pointed downwards--this is to allow any moisture or water-particles to flow and concentrate at the bottom of the blade. When well cared for, rust do not form on kerises, however, should they occur, rust may be removed with a commercial rust-remover, though, most collectors prefer using traditionl methods. As given below, the names of the kerises, dapur, pamor , etc., comes from our sources and we have verified them as much as possible through research; we do not, however, claim infallibility in this matter and offer the kerises as they are; likewise keeping in mind that even experts often differ in opinion regarding the analysis of kerises. The cost for shipment by courier is included in the dowry prices. Anyone interested in these sacred items are welcome to contact us: luxamore@indotalisman.com

For orders, price list, or inquiries please,

Copyright © 2006 Luxamore

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