Indonesia - Balinese Keris

The most important magic talisman in many households of Indonesia is the Keris, often an heirloom passed down through many generations. The blade is a laminate of iron and meteorite nickel, and when correctly treated, the blade presents a dramatic black/ white contrasted texture known as pamor. Pamor will indicate what supernatural power a keris contains; for example, protection from fire, theft or other disaster, making the owner rich or well-respected, giving the ability to dance or serve as a diplomat or chasing rats out of one's rice fields, to name only a few.
The left keris has an outstandingly beautiful blade and a heavy pure silver hilt inlaid with agates and gemstones. The right one is a beautiful Bali or Lombok keris with the pamor (laminate pattern) called sranto meaning "counting money", a charm for a trader. The sheath is covered in very old corroded brass sheathing, and the dark/light pattern of contrasting wood is a magical insulation to preserve the power of the keris.
Blacksmiths that make keris are highly respected and even feared for their knowledge of mystical arts. To forge an especially powerful keris, a smith must practice austerities and work only at certain auspicious times of day; it can take literally years of elaborately tabooed expertise to make a highly-charged magic blade.
left - 25 1/4", right - 24 1/4"
left - W-02 $1,650, right - W-03 $975