Well, it’s too bad we didn’t meet before now on this forum. If we had, I could have taken you to two Balinese kris specialists that only have authentic and old examples. Maybe on your next trip to Bali?
There are only two Empu on Bali that are active making kris by order. I guess those words, “making kris by order” is deceptive, as it makes this process seem like ordering furniture, or a new car. Well, that is not what I meant at all.
When a Balinese goes to an Empu for a kris, there is about three or four days of very serious conversation....deeper than anyone would get with their physiatrist, as the Empu only wants to make the kris most suitable for the owner. When done properly, and with all the ceremony and offerings necessary, that kris will become that person’s soul. In short, there is no point telling falsehoods to your Empu. A priest, maybe, an Empu, never.
As for reproduction kris, or kris for display or fun, the best are currently being made in Madura, an island off the coast of northeast Java, just west of Bali. If, in the many markets in Bali you come upon a kris, it was almost certainly made in Madura.
Pusaka, or heirloom kris are never found in common markets, nor are they to be found in the majority of antiques shops in Bali, and most especially, those who advertise, “antiques made to order!”
The truth be told, for most Balinese, selling a Pusaka kris is an economic “last resort.” Since the last bombing, in October, 2005, tourism, which is the life blood for way too many Balinese, has all but vanished. It’s getting a little better, now that we are coming into peak season, but it is nothing like it was just a few years ago. This economic hardship has caused many Balinese to face the terrible reality of selling heirloom, or pusaka pieces that have been in their family for untold generations.
And that is the very sad reality that I see almost every day.
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