Collectibles or Cultural Heritage?

A. G. Maisey · Yesterday, 11:32 PM

I am not a frequent participant in discussion of this sub-forum, but I do follow those threads which interest me, and this particular thread is one that strikes cleanly to the heart of my own particular field of interest, which is the pure expression of the Keris, that is, the Keris as found in the Archipelago & Peninsula, and most especially within Java & Bali.

In these societies Keris culture is still alive, the keris forms a part of formal wear, & in many families the pusaka, or heirloom Keris is regarded as a link between the ancestors and the current extended kin-group. Some Indonesian art authorities regard the Javanese/Balinese Keris as the highest form of the plastic arts, and the art of the Keris is taught in Central Java at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts.

Apart from the above, UNESCO has accepted the Indonesian Keris as a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Indonesian Keris was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

Within those societies of its origin it is all that the previous contributors to this thread have mentioned, as well as being regarded as a store of wealth, a symbol of authority, and a representative of its custodian or owner.

One thing that is worthy of consideration is this:- in the history of Mankind, the highest development of all technology has been in the production of weaponry. At any time in history, the weapons of any group of people will represent the peak of technological development for those people. The Keris first appeared during the Early Classical Period of Java, it then underwent further development during the East Javanese Period, and had reached its final developed form by the early 16th century. Since that time, the Keris has remained as an integral part of the socio-cultural web of those peoples who have accepted it.

If UNESCO considers the Indonesian Keris to be a part of the cultural heritage of humanity, then I, for one, am not prepared to disagree. Further, I strongly suspect that the accolade accorded to the Indonesian Keris by UNESCO could perhaps also be applied to some other forms of weaponry.

RSWORD · Today, 11:40 AM

Each sword, knife, shield, spear, etc is a tangible link to the past. Each one has a story to tell. Sometimes the story is shrouded in mystery. Not much information, if any at all, will pass down with the object. Through attempting to learn more about each object, in turn, I have learned more about other countries, cultures, traditions, conflicts, decorative techniques, etc than I ever did in school including my college years. That has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of a sword's journey. I have met some of the most interesting people that share similar interests that I never would have had the opportunity to meet. I treasure those moments.

So what is their worth? For me, it is not monetarily. It is unraveling the story to learn insights into a period of time lost to history. It is to ponder how it was made. Why was it made. What was its purpose. What was its journey from the time it was made until it found me. What will I learn from it. Who will I meet and get to know because of it. How will I take care and what information can I pass along to the next steward. Their worth is something personal to each individual and that, in of its own, is important.

Yesterday, 11:32 PM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,049	I am not a frequent participant in discussion of this sub-forum, but I do follow those threads which interest me, and this particular thread is one that strikes cleanly to the heart of my own particular field of interest, which is the pure expression of the Keris, that is, the Keris as found in the Archipelago & Peninsula, and most especially within Java & Bali. In these societies Keris culture is still alive, the keris forms a part of formal wear, & in many families the pusaka, or heirloom Keris is regarded as a link between the ancestors and the current extended kin-group. Some Indonesian art authorities regard the Javanese/Balinese Keris as the highest form of the plastic arts, and the art of the Keris is taught in Central Java at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts. Apart from the above, UNESCO has accepted the Indonesian Keris as a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Indonesian Keris was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. Within those societies of its origin it is all that the previous contributors to this thread have mentioned, as well as being regarded as a store of wealth, a symbol of authority, and a representative of its custodian or owner. One thing that is worthy of consideration is this:- in the history of Mankind, the highest development of all technology has been in the production of weaponry. At any time in history, the weapons of any group of people will represent the peak of technological development for those people. The Keris first appeared during the Early Classical Period of Java, it then underwent further development during the East Javanese Period, and had reached its final developed form by the early 16th century. Since that time, the Keris has remained as an integral part of the socio-cultural web of those peoples who have accepted it. If UNESCO considers the Indonesian Keris to be a part of the cultural heritage of humanity, then I, for one, am not prepared to disagree. Further, I strongly suspect that the accolade accorded to the Indonesian Keris by UNESCO could perhaps also be applied to some other forms of weaponry.

Today, 11:40 AM	#2
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,088	Each sword, knife, shield, spear, etc is a tangible link to the past. Each one has a story to tell. Sometimes the story is shrouded in mystery. Not much information, if any at all, will pass down with the object. Through attempting to learn more about each object, in turn, I have learned more about other countries, cultures, traditions, conflicts, decorative techniques, etc than I ever did in school including my college years. That has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of a sword's journey. I have met some of the most interesting people that share similar interests that I never would have had the opportunity to meet. I treasure those moments. So what is their worth? For me, it is not monetarily. It is unraveling the story to learn insights into a period of time lost to history. It is to ponder how it was made. Why was it made. What was its purpose. What was its journey from the time it was made until it found me. What will I learn from it. Who will I meet and get to know because of it. How will I take care and what information can I pass along to the next steward. Their worth is something personal to each individual and that, in of its own, is important.