Keeping a keris for protection

David · 14th January 2008, 07:49 PM

Usman, i don't think it is provocative at all and i certain don't discourage the telling of unsubstantiated or "illogical" stories on this forum. I think what is important is the context in which they are told though. If, for instance, we are trying to come to some academic conclusion about the keris in regards to some historical or technical context, legends and stories might not be valid for that discussion. But legends and stories in and of themselves are marvelous things that even if not actually true (and some of them might be true

) can give us a deeper understanding of the culture and spirit of the people and place.

I hope you have been writing down all those stories you have been collecting.

14th January 2008, 07:49 PM	#35
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	Usman, i don't think it is provocative at all and i certain don't discourage the telling of unsubstantiated or "illogical" stories on this forum. I think what is important is the context in which they are told though. If, for instance, we are trying to come to some academic conclusion about the keris in regards to some historical or technical context, legends and stories might not be valid for that discussion. But legends and stories in and of themselves are marvelous things that even if not actually true (and some of them might be true ) can give us a deeper understanding of the culture and spirit of the people and place. I hope you have been writing down all those stories you have been collecting.