Ep10.5- The Keris (continued from Singapore)
Trip Start
Dec 28, 2006
1
22
24
Trip End
Jun 28, 2007
Singapore,
Singapore
Friday, February 16, 2007
Vlogabond Home | Connections | Map | Forum | FAQ | About
To watch this episode, click here.
In singapore we had the distinct pleasure to stumble upon a rare ceremony: the cleansing ritual of the Keris. In an obscure part of Arab Street there was a crowd of people packed tightly around a single large table filled from end to end with some of the most beautiful blades we've ever seen. Each was a unique and beautifully constructed piece of art. They were assembled and awarded various honors. Speaking to the owners of these priceless artifacts, we came to learn and appreciate a lot of the passion that stems from the keris. The Keris is more than just a mere weapon. It is a representation of its owner, so bound to him that death can be a preferable outcome than separation. A king could lend his Keris to a subject to temporarily bestow his power on a person. Amazed by the entire spectacle, we introduced ourselves to the the host of the ceremony, and owner of The Malay Art Gallery in Singapore. He invited us to come by his shop the next day to learn more about this world, and seeing in our eyes the desire, said we could even satisfy our urge to wield one.
....and some bonus footage.
