Kerises, ritual cleaning and deterioration

jagabuwana · 30th January 2022, 11:45 PM

In the keris cultures of Indonesia, kerises of significance are ritually and periodically cleaned.

Those that have gone through many cycles of cleaning can be visibly deteriorated by the process over time. Given more cleaning and more time, the keris may no longer be distinguishable.

Maybe this says something about how the keris is perceived. Despite its importance, perhaps there is an understanding in Javanese and Balinese culture that nothing in the human realm is permanent. If no man can escape time, then nor can the "living" keris.

According to Javanese or Balinese culture, what should be done to these kerises, when they are deemed to be too deteriorated?

30th January 2022, 11:45 PM	#1
jagabuwana Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 290	Kerises, ritual cleaning and deterioration In the keris cultures of Indonesia, kerises of significance are ritually and periodically cleaned. Those that have gone through many cycles of cleaning can be visibly deteriorated by the process over time. Given more cleaning and more time, the keris may no longer be distinguishable. Maybe this says something about how the keris is perceived. Despite its importance, perhaps there is an understanding in Javanese and Balinese culture that nothing in the human realm is permanent. If no man can escape time, then nor can the "living" keris. According to Javanese or Balinese culture, what should be done to these kerises, when they are deemed to be too deteriorated?