Heirlooom Rejuvenation Ceremony II - Rangsang Rias Pusaka Bangsa II

[Alam Shah]

This is a good opportunity to see real kerises being dismantled, cleaned and re-assembled. It is also a good time to learn about them. A lot of variety of kerises from different regions are expected to be present during the ceremony.

Refer to the link for details. All are welcome. (Note: Event is held in Singapore).

http://www.geocities.com/keris4u/suro_events.htm

[Alam Shah]

I'll be there. Fellow keris enthusiast/collector/trader(...etc), do let me know if you're coming...We can have fun together, meet and make new friends, learn and exchange information.

[rahman]

I'll be there on the first day, insyaAllah.

What are the prizes for the Keris Tournament? Not that a newbie like me expects to win Maybe Adni will give away one of his prized Pandai
Saras as the top prize?

[Alam Shah]

Last I've heard is, the winner will have a feel of the Keris Penyalang... (Just kidding... ).

About the competition:

All pieces will have to go through a first round of selection. Only pieces that are competition worthy, decided by the organizer, will go through the final round of selection of winner.

Owners of the pieces are to note that if their pieces are winners in any respective categories; these pieces will be on display at the Malay Heritage Centre for a temporary exhibition for about one month, at the discretion of the organizers. The name of the owner and details of his pieces will also be displayed during the exhibition.


The organizers reserve the right to receive or reject any pieces that is being submitted for the competition, and also have rights to capture the pieces for recording or printing purposes (if it may deem necessary). Any publishing of printed materials using any of the competition pieces will be duly informed to the owner.


Winners of each category will be presented with a certificate stating the type, style, form etc. won in the respective categories. Note that the items' owner's name will not appear in the winner's certificate as it is the piece itself that’s the winner.


Note: To me it's the spirit and thrill of competition. (In my opinion only)

[Raja Muda]

Is this something like the Keris competitions they have up in Kelantan? I think they had a contest for Keris Anak Alang at the Gelanggang Seni Kota Bharu last year.

[Alam Shah]

I've no idea about the 'Keris Anak Alang' contest. Would appreciate if you could shed some light into this event, though.

In Singapore, this will be the first keris competition (i think). Therefore, the organising committee will be doing it on a trial and error basis. Future competition will be fine-tuned based on the feedback received.
(I'm not in the committee, i'm just an enthusiatic supporter).

If it received overwhelming response, it may be extended into a regional competition and even global competition. (Err... I think not on the global scale yet, however). One day perhaps...

[rasdan]

Hi Alam Shah,

How i wish i could be there Shah. Nevertheless i will certainly email u when im going to s'pore. Can u explain how the kerisses are going to be judged?

[Alam Shah]

Gee rasdan, . This will be the first time (in Singapore). From what I was told, is base mainly on the artistic and aesthetic aspects, like refinements of workmanship, execution of and rarity in features or details, type of materials used, conformity with tradition and region, overall handling and feel, as well as overall condition and age. Although age is a factor in judging, it is not a primary factor, as newly made pieces can also command high praises.

Please note that mystical or spiritual aspects of the keris is NOT taken into consideration, as it is very subjective. Although the items will be judge on the sturdiness of materials used, and also how it feels upon handling, it will NOT at any time be competed in any physical manner whatsoever.
Due to the numerous varieties and styles from the different regions, it is divided into 10 categories, whereby each category will reflect a certain region or a particular form of keris/weapon. The lack of displaying space is also a reason for restricting to only 10 categories.

[rahman]

Dear Alam Shah

What might those 10 categories be? Would be good to share...

[Alam Shah]

The 10 commandments...errr..10 Categories.

Cat No. - Category Description
001 - Javanese and Madura kerises - Central, Western and Eastern Java.
002 - Balinese and Lombok kerises.
003 - Sumatran kerises - Palembang, Minangkabau, Lampung, etc.
004 - Bugis/Bugis influenced kerises-Sulawesi, Sumbawa and Riau Lingga.
005 - Northern Malay Peninsular kerises – Kedah, Kelatan, Terrengganu etc.
006 - Keris Panjang or penyalang (executioner's keris)
007 - Keris Coteng of Patani and Southern Thailand in origin.
008 - Keris Tajong or "kingfisher" of Kelantan or Patani in origin.
009 - Keris Sundang - Mindanao, Sulu or Malay styles.
010 - (non kerises) Badek, rencong, sewah, golok etc. - Small side weapons less than 15" overall.

Come on, bring your pieces and join the competition.
There is a S$3.00 fee to join the competition, though.

[rahman]

Thanks. I note that the closing date for registration is 10 Feb. when is the last day the keris have to be submitted?

[Alam Shah]

Keris submission is by 10/2/05. Bring along your piece for registration. The more pieces submitted the merrier (and also the less chances of me winning..he..he).

[John]

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

The more pieces submitted the merrier (and also the less chances of me winning..he..he).

Wish I could join you guys, maybe next year. I've in mind a few potential winners and it would be most interesting to see the winning kerises...

[Alam Shah]

The event is over. Looking forward to next year's event.
Keris balancing performance...by friends of Malay Art Gallery.