Jakarta, IO – Kris is a well-known historical relic, especially to the Javanese people. The serpentine dagger is also often considered a sacred object for some people. To preserve this cultural identity, the Kris Museum was founded in Solo. It displays around 241 types of kris.
Located at 2 Bhayangkara St., Sriwedari, Laweyan, this museum was officially opened to the public on August 9, 2017 by President Joko Widodo. With a trapezium-shaped building, this museum has 4 floors.
First floor
Here visitors can learn about the design and materials used for making keris, usually meteorite, siderite and aerolite forged with the main material — iron.
Second floor
This floor tells the development of kris in the modern era, the ornate handle and the acccesories including ring, sheath and the sleeve. Each of them has displayed description of the type, prestige, toughness, motif, origin, etc.
Third Floor
Here visitors are taken back to the era of Borobudur Temple and see the kris-making process, starting with incantations and offerings, the process of forging, gilding to finishing. Also exhibited is how to use the keris in traditional costume which varies depending on the occasions.
Fourth Floor
The top floor displays kris made by the ancestors as far back as 400 to 500 years ago which show the greatness of Indonesian culture. One of the main collections on this floor is the Kyai Tengoro kris, gifted by President Joko Widodo. It symbolizes state ideology Pancasila with five layers and red sheath as the symbol of nobility.
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Kris is thought to originate in the 9th century as displayed on one of the panels of the Borobudur Temple which is engraved with a kris relief. In 824 AD, the Karangtengah inscription also mentions the word ‘kris’. It served as a ceremonial offering.
The Kris Museum has an important role in preserving historical heritage, especially for the younger generation. Indonesia should be proud because kris has been designated as a Masterpiece of Indigenous People’s Indigenous Human Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in November 2005. (bp)