Exhibition Highlights Indonesian Keris Culture in Jepara

Foto: Umi Nurfaizah

Exhibition Highlights Indonesian Keris Culture in Jepara A diverse collection of 200 keris from various regions across Indonesia was showcased at the Tosan Aji Exhibition and Educational event held at the Pendopo of Jepara Regency on Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26, 2024.

 

Ricardo Gerit Zaal, the event's organizer, emphasized that one of the primary goals of the exhibition was to introduce and highlight Jepara's historical significance as a center for keris craftsmanship. It is believed that Jepara is home to master keris makers, or empu, particularly from the village of Tegal Sambi in the Tahunan district of Jepara Regency.

This belief is supported by historical notes written by Dr. Isaac Groneman, who documented the presence of the pamor forging art—the unique motifs found on keris blades—on Java Island between 1820 and 1910. According to his records, a keris master was located in Kudus Regency, and two in Jepara Regency.

“In Jepara, we have identified the graves of two empu in Tegal Sambi village. These findings align with Dr. Isaac Groneman's notes, suggesting that these keris masters were active during the same period documented in his writings,” Ricardo explained after the exhibition's opening ceremony.

Based on this evidence, the Jepara Tosan Aji Preservation Association (PPATJ) organized the exhibition, featuring keris from various regions to compare and identify the distinctive characteristics of Jepara's keris compared to those from other areas.

“The purpose of this event is to gather materials, examine the crafting techniques, and identify the unique traits of keris made by the Tegalsambi empu. We aim to engage not only PPATJ members but also the broader community to recognize the unique qualities of keris from Tegalsambi,” Ricardo elaborated.

In addition to the exhibition, the event included various activities such as the Jepara Heritage Symposium, a Tosan Aji marketplace, and a Tosan Aji auction.

The opening ceremony featured a parade of bregada heirlooms, followed by the symbolic handover of a keris to the Acting Regent of Jepara, represented by Assistant 1 of the Jepara Regional Secretariat, Ratib Zaini.

The news source for this information is BETANEWS.ID, JEPARA.