It runs in his blood as his dad, his grandfather has been doing the same thing. It was a special day and keris making is slowly dying out just like the samurai swords in japan! It takes true skill, and most of the younger generation rather study business than stay at home, laboring over keris. Even Mr.Johari says that his children are not very interested. Nonetheless, he is adamant on keeping up the tradition and continues producing one of a kind works of art with the intricate Keris making.
Keris making is very time consuming, taking months to complete just one. Mr Johari mainly makes kerises for royalty and special functions. They're not cheap either! the prices is definitely within the thousands. But hey, no two keris are the same! To each his own, literally :)
Mr. Johari lives in Kuala Besut, about an hour out of the main city, Kuala Terengganu. In the olden times, keris used to be associated with mysticism, magic and power. Many local legends involving local warriors all wielded the magnificent crafted keris. Although people dont buy it for magical purposes haha, its a significant part of the traditional costume and a symbol of royalty, the government and the Malay race.
Making the keris is no easy feat as good quality wood has to be carefully selected, and blade perfectly sharpened.
No comments:
Post a Comment