Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Pusaka · 31st December 2007, 05:34 PM

I found the following statement athttp://www.cimande.com/writings/keris/keris2.htm

"In Indonesia, it was and is customary to feed such a keris, at least once a week, usually on a Saturday. The feeding can consist of applying a special oil to the blade, which is made from water growing plants and then passing the blade over a special incense, allowing the smoke to encompass the blade. This incense resembles Gum Myrrh and is a resinous tree sap material called Mignon. First to start the operation the keris is asked if it may be opened (usually done if the blade is being used for a noncombat application) by saying a suitable word, such as maaf, which means, may I? If the blade glides open easily it is appropriate to continue the operation. If not then the reason must be found and it is not auspicious to try and force the issue at that time."

I would like to ask members here if they have any information on this keris oil which is made from water growing plants. I have never heard of it personally until I read the above statement.

31st December 2007, 05:34 PM	#36
Pusaka Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 341	I found the following statement athttp://www.cimande.com/writings/keris/keris2.htm "In Indonesia, it was and is customary to feed such a keris, at least once a week, usually on a Saturday. The feeding can consist of applying a special oil to the blade, which is made from water growing plants and then passing the blade over a special incense, allowing the smoke to encompass the blade. This incense resembles Gum Myrrh and is a resinous tree sap material called Mignon. First to start the operation the keris is asked if it may be opened (usually done if the blade is being used for a noncombat application) by saying a suitable word, such as maaf, which means, may I? If the blade glides open easily it is appropriate to continue the operation. If not then the reason must be found and it is not auspicious to try and force the issue at that time." I would like to ask members here if they have any information on this keris oil which is made from water growing plants. I have never heard of it personally until I read the above statement.