Introduction and Empu Mudra keris

[David]

Originally Posted by SidJ

Is that keris really made by a bona-fide Empu or a self professed one?

Ketut Mudra is indeed well respected in Bali and often acknowledged as the last pande who still knows the proper rites and mantras necessary to create a keris suitable to becoming pusaka. He does descend from a long line of pande besi and apparently began making keris in 2000.
I have rarely seen the title of "Empu" applied to pande keris in Bali and the same system of keraton appointed keris makers does not, as far as i know, exist in Bali. However, in 2025 many things are different in the keris world than they once were. As you can see in the article and the video i have posted below, Ketut Mudra is indeed being recognized by others as an Empu.
None of this, however, speaks specifically to craft or skill level when it comes to creating a high art keris.

https://www.nowbali.co.id/empu-keris...acred-daggers/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQrr4EsnL_I