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Work in Progress. Stay tuned for this exciting article coming up soon.

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The Keris - Component, Design and Structure

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The Keris - Component, Design and Structure

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Work in Progress. Stay tuned for this exciting article coming up soon...

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What are the laws governing the ownership of the Keris here in Singapore? Today I provide a basic guide and highlight the laws, regulations and requirements that should alleviate concerns over the ownership, importation and exportation of a Keris.

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Here's a little reference sketch of a Keris, that I doodled on in my journal earlier today. To the new novice, here's a little entre to wet your taste buds. We will be discussing more in depth on the subject of the Keris in the next few entries to come

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The Keris is an intangible cultural heritage, unique to the ethnic Malay culture from the Malay Archipelago. The Keris, evolved out of basic human need for self preservation. To put it in perspective, the origins of the Keris, rooted its purpose, primarily as a weapon, capable of both offense and defense, subject to the skill of the wielder of the Keris. How effective the Keris is in accomplishing it's pre-meditated tasks lies in the hands of the wielder. Needless to say, the Keris, is but an extension of the self. Alas this concept is rarely grasped by students of the Keris lore. Sub-consciously, even to the seasoned of collectors, there lies a dormant belief in the exact opposite of this concept - that the Keris itself possess the "magick" and the "power" to cause harm or to change the favor of the fates to whomever has the Keris in their possession. This paved the way to numerous schools of thoughts of definitions, that defines a "good" Keris and a "bad" Keris.

Much still needs to be done, in researching the true origins of the Keris. To date, none can say for certain where the Keris truly originated from, and how long between evolutions before the Keris crafted its way into its final form that we all come to recognize today. No doubt that the Keris, has been prominently mentioned throughout history and myths to any well read persons. However, to assert and impose a belief that the Keris originated from a specific area or province of the Malay Archipelago, is premature in this author's opinion. To date there is no empirical proof that defines with absolute surety, the true origins of the Keris.

On that note, let's not dive in into the technicalities of the subject of the Keris just yet. Lets just wade in into the simpler and basic aspect of the Keris. Just the basics to begin with.

NOTES

1. Intangible Cultural Heritage - Oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.

2. Ethnic Malay - Native Austronesian inhabitants of the Malay Archipelago.

3. Malay Archipelago - Cluster of Islands located between South Eastern Asia and Australia.

REFERENCES

1. UNESCO Definition of Intangible Cultural Heritage - http://tinyurl.com/intangible-cultural-heritage

2. Farish A Noor, From Majapahit To Putrajaya. 2006. - http://tinyurl.com/From-Majapahit-To-Putrajaya

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Who Created This PadLet Wall - The Wizard Behind This Wall

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Who Created This PadLet Wall - The Wizard Behind This Wall

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ABOUT WAN KHAIRI

Wan Khairi, was born in Singapore during the month of December of the year 1980 to Mr & Mrs Johari. A Malay by birth and whose ancestry can be traced back to the old kingdom of Kubang Pasu, Kedah. Descended from a line of royal warriors ("Wan") who defended the sovereignty of the old Kedah empire from Siamese and British invaders, especially during the Kedah Blockade in the 1700s. Many patriotic "Wans" fell during battle in those bloody and ruthless campaigns. Survivors from these campaigns brought forth a continued legacy and the stories of these long forgotten campaigns were told and retold to subsequent generations, till the generation of Wan Johari who continued his legacy to Wan Khairi.

As a child, unlike any other ordinary children, Wan Khairi, showed little interest in sports and games. an introvert by nature, Wan Khairi spent his time in the company of books instead. History, Culture and the Arts fascinated him most. Inspired by his father, Wan Khairi trod down a path unique to his own making.

In late 2000, Wan Khairi, along with his trusted confidantes, informally formed the group, Relic Hunters Singapore, a gathering of like minded individuals passionate about history and the continued preservation of cultural heritage. Over the next few years, the group grew and in 2003, Relic Hunters Singapore was formally registered as a Private Ltd Company. In 2006, founding members agreed upon a shift in direction and decided to go fully non-profit and non-government. Relic Hunters Singapore was formally registered as a Society in 2006, with Wan Khairi as the 1st President of the Organization. Relic Hunters Singapore continues to this day under a new generation of leadership, membership and directive.

INTEREST IN THE KERIS
Wan Khairi was first introduced to a "Keris" of his own, in early 2000 when he received one as a gift from his Mother, who returned from a recent  holiday. That "Keris" served as a pivotal turning point, nudging him into the world of the "Keris". So began his journey into the exciting world of the "Keris", making new friends and meeting despots along the way too.  All these experience cumulated and  developed Wan Khairi's personal perspective of the "Keris" and perception of collectors. With more than a decade worth of experience and knowledge, Wan Khairi decided to step out of the shadows and do what he feels right and that is to leave behind a legacy in kind and to expose the era of folly from the past. Wan Khairi was there throughout the years of growth and expansion of the "Keris" Collector Community here in Singapore, and has intimate knowledge of profiles of both the active and passive collectors. A pity the Keris, so highly prized by these collectors and enthusiasts, fail to unite them  collectors as a community, as brothers, as a family. Divided by petty differences and tumultuous egos, the community is divided and disorganized today. Yet they share a common objective, but still choose to embark on different paths. As Abraham Lincoln once so eloquently said in one oh his speech, "A house divided against itself, cannot stand." May the "Keris" collector community be united once more in the future some day. May the light of unity be shone upon the next generation of collectors.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Wan Khairi  is an Information Technology Specialist with one of Singapore's leading Information Technology Service Provider. Service oriented,  meticulous  and result driven, Wan Khairi, achieves results, while maintaining discipine and integrity in his dealings, despite a fast paced and demanding environment.

ACADEMIC HISTORY
Wan Khairi Wan Johari, graduated with a Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering in the year 2000, from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, after which he was shortly enlisted for National Service, serving as a Special Constabulary Officer with the Singapore Police Force. During his active service Wan Khairi pursued another field of interest, computing, and graduated with a Diploma in Computer Studies in the year 2003, from TMC Academy. In 2005, Wan Khairi received a scholarship from SPANS (Singapore Police Association for National Servicemen) to pursue another field of interest, business management and graduated with a Degree in Business Management, in the year 2008, from UniSIM (formerly known as SIM).  In 2013, Wan Khairi enrolled in a higher level of study and  will pursue his MBA.

PRIVATE LIFE

Wan Khairi is a family oriented individual. Prioritizing family above all else and protective over the well being of his family members. His private affairs are his own and he values privacy in the highest regards.

"Allah, Family and Career, those are my order of priorities. Limit your kindness towards strangers as you never know if your friend today will be your foe tomorrow. But a brother will always remain a brother. A sister will always remain a sister. Those who wronged me, fear me, cowering behind false tongues and deluded perceptions. Shame on these poor saps. Life goes on and I keep moving forward let those poor souls remain in their limbo of delusions. He who laughs last laughs best and I have to admit that I have had a good long hard laugh for a good many years. Than you very much for the amusement." - Wan Khairi Wan Johari, March 2013.

This Article Was Contributed By,

Rajendra Marwin.

BA Mass Communications - ECU

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Discussion Board -Where Do I  Post My Questions?

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Discussion Board -Where Do I  Post My Questions?

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Assalamua'laikum. Greetings and Salutations. As of this time, this author have yet to decide if this wall shall be purely interactive, it is not the intention of this author to restrict content interaction however it is in the best interest of readers that this author limit the ability of direct posting to this wall at this time. So as to preserve the integrity of this wall and reduce the frustration of filtering through irrelevant content.

So where do readers direct discussions to then? Feel free to proceed to the author's personal wall via the link below. Looking forward to interacting with readers there as there are no posting restrictions configured there.

Wassalamua'laikum Wr. Wb.

Wan Khairi Wan Johari

Singapore

15 March 2013

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Bibliography - Recommended Reading References for Beginners & Novices.

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Bibliography - Recommended Reading References for Beginners & Novices.

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Emil Bahari, Semangat Keris Melayu. Utusan Publications & Distributors, Kuala Lumpur. 2009.

Dato' Dr Mohd Kassim Haji Ali Jaafar, Senjata-Senjata Melayu. Jabatan Muzium Malaysia. 2008.

Edward Frey, The Kris : Mystic Weapon of The Malay World (Third Edition). Oxford University Press. 2003.

The Keris and Other Malay Weapons, Reprint No. 16. The Malaysian Branch of The Royal Asiatic Society. 1998.

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The Keris - The 4 Major Regional Archetypes

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The Keris - The 4 Major Regional Archetypes

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As previously defined in an earlier article; "The Keris - A Definition"; The keris has been defined as a weapon, with dagger-like or sword-like features, with an asymmetrical blade design, composed of mobile and customizable components. Let us now look at the 4 major Regional Archetypes of the Keris.

It is an agreed fact among collectors, that the Keris is subject to classification and categorization by region, for the purpose of reference and identification. Refering to the Map of the Malay Archipelago, one can certainly be overwhelmed by the sheer number of regions and provinces  located within the sphere of the Malay influence. Just as how each individual from respective Malay ethnic are unique and different from the other, so to are be the Keris.  The peoples of th Malay, Bugis, Java and Moro respectively are identified through their distinguishable cultural dressing and attire. Hence a keris too is primarily identified through it's fittings and dressings.

As a general rule of thumb, a Keris is identifed through the following 4 regional archetypes :

1) Melayu

2) Bugis

3) Java

4) Moro

Each region whereby the Keris originated from carry with it, it's own unique identifying traits and hallmarks, comparatively unique between one another yet, still retains the basic requirements as defined for a Keris.

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Let us first look at what is defined as a "Keris". "What is a Keris"?

When the novice to this subject first perform an online dictionary or encyclopedia lookup via internet search engines, regardless of the numerous online dictionary and encyclopedias available out there, one is bound to end up with a colorful variety of results, nontheless the common definition in summary would be as follows :-

"Keris, Kris, also Creese

n.

A Malayan dagger with a wavy double edged blade.

or

[Miltary / Arms & Armour (excluding firearms)] A Malayan or Indonesian stabbing or slashing knife with a scallopped edge. Also called crease creese."

or

A short knife with a pointed blade used for piercing or stabbing.

or

The kris or keris is a distinctive, asymmetrical dagger indigenous to Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Southern Thailand and the southern Philippines."

IN SUMMARY

The Keris in all its grandeur and apparent mystery, I define in summary as follows:

" The Keris is a weapon; with either dagger-like or sword-like features; has an asymmetrical blade design; composed of mobile and customizable components."

ADDENDUM NOTES

Customizable components of a Keris are :

a) The Blade; be it wavy or singular, must be asymmetrical as a default feature, shaped into a form.

b) The Hilt (Handle); may be of any sturdy material; carved, casted, or moulded into a form.

c) The Scabbard (Sheath); may be of any sturdy material; carved, casted. or moulded into a form, adopting a specific Philosophy of Belief.

The final form of any Keris, relies much on the philosophical beliefs of the creators of the keris, attuned to the personality of the Owner of the Keris, for whom it was commisioned for.

When any class of weapons, meet these basic requirements, only then may it be classified as a keris. Even modern variants of any thrusting or slashing weapons, with features matching that of a "keris" is a keris.

To the unfamiliar novice, these definitions may be somewhat challenging to comprehend when understood literally. Without a visual overview, the novice may fail to grasp what the definition really means. For the purpose of further discussion, we will be looking into the visual aspect of the "Keris" at a more detailed depth. For now I leave the reader to digest the information provided herein and shall elaborate more in my next post. Thank you for reading.

REFERENCES

1. From TheFreeDictionary.Com : http://tinyurl.com/keris0

2. From TheFreeDictionary.Com (Encyclopedia Definition) : http://tinyurl.com/keris1

3. From WebstersOnlineDictionary.Org : http://tinyurl.com/keris2

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For the purpose of defining symmetry, here is a visual reference for you.

Throughout the discussion on the subject of the keris, we shall be referring mostly to the aspect of geometric symmetry.

REFERENCES

Wikipedia, Symmetry : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symmetry

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About This PadLet Wall - A Note From The Wall Author

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About This PadLet Wall - A Note From The Wall Author

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Assalamua'laikum. Greetings and Salutations. Thank you for visiting. This wall is dedicated specially for all the young ones of this present generation who will eventually bridge the gap between future generations to come. This is a legacy that the author of this page would like to pass down in the hope that matters pertaining to this Intangible Cultural Heritage, namely the "Keris", will not see the end of its days just yet.

The "Keris", a subject matter often shrouded in mystery and blanketed by romanticist tales of heroic and sometimes tragic feats, is but a misunderstood subject to many. Many from this present time, including even seasoned and veteran collectors of this craft, more often than naught, too are susceptible to err when defining this subject matter. Information clouded between fact and fiction, are prone to misrepresentation and misinterpretation. More alarming is when beliefs in the old and pagan ways are pressed upon the naive novice, blurring the lines between fact, fiction and nonsensical whims of mysticism. Resulting in a disastrous mix of confusion and despotic obsessions.

It is not the intention of this author to belittle anyone and in the event this author incur the offense of anyone, this author apologize; not to the ego of such persons but to their indifference and ignorance. There are no doubt numerous collectors of this unique craft out there and definitely there are variants in perspective and depth of understanding of the "Keris" subject, whose facets include a colorful mix of array in the fields of arts, crafts, history, culture and lore. Each collector have their own individual wealth of experience and knowledge.

The purpose of this page is to serve the needs of readers and seekers who are in sincere need of guidance and reference on matters surrounding the "Keris", and it is the duty of this author to exercise due diligence and discretion in presenting and preserving facts as it were perceived from the perspective of this author himself and not merely succumbing to the "what is it you want to believe" perspective. Facts will always remain as facts. Fiction as fiction until a proven evidence comes to light, surfaces and materializes in the real world, a myth will remain a myth nonetheless. Methodology will be the key guiding compass and academic references will be made wherever possible with the exception of oral recordings whenever a post is made on this wall.

Every Keris collector will have something to say about the Keris and their collections and each collector will lay claim that their opinions are of value, this is perfectly fine and this author too have an opinion and it is this author's right to have an opinion. Whatever is presented on this page will adopt an Ex Post Facto approach in research and methodology.

On this note, this author ends his foreword and bid readers good journey, into the fascinating world of the "Keris". Keep an open mind and in the words of a respected Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Imran N Hossein, as he eloquently emphasize at the start of every lecture, "Do not believe everything or anything I say, until you are absolutely convinced that I am correct!"

Wassalammua'laikum Wr. Wb.

Wan Khairi Wan Johari,

Singapore.

15 March 2013.