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 Ki Empu Djeno Harumbrodjo The only EMPU – The Maestro of classical KERIS making in Java
He can make only 2 pieces of classical Keris in a year. His works of arts are really masterpiece, physically and spiritually. He is the 15th descendant of Empu Supa, the famous Keris maker of Majapahit Empire of the 13th century. In fact in Java, there are other Keris makers, their works are also of good quality, but they say that compared with Empu Djeno Harumbrodjo, they are merely craftsmen. When, be was young, the youngest fifth child of Empu Supowinangun, was not very interested in Keris making. Until one night, his late father come in his dream asking him to help his father to forge iron to make Keris. 3 months later the same dream came again and again 3 months later for the third times he dreamed the exactly same thing. He was convinced that he had to continue the family hereditary job – to be Empu of Keris.
As a devort Javanese who believes that everything could happened with God’s willing, he prayed a lot until his way to become Empu Keris was widely opened. How to make a classical – Masterpiece Keris As stated in the article Keris, it is believed that Keris has magical power. The original magical power of A Keris is determined by the wish of the Empu and the customer. In making a Keris, Empu Djeno needs the personal data of every customer as date and day of birth, occupation etc, the best if he can meet the customer in person, from the meeting, Empu Djeno, should have the ability to understand better his customer’s personality. The Empu shall make a Keris with the spiritual power (YONI) suitable with the customer’s personality. He has to prepare two steps simultantly i.e physical and spiritual. Physically, the materials for manufacturing must be prepared such as, 12 Kg of Iron; 0.5 Kg of Nickel, 100 grams of meteorite, 500 bags of charcoals etc. Spiritually by fasting, meditating, not sleeping for several days and other spiritual deeds. The customer is also requested to do self denial and spiritual deeds, so that he shall receive a good Keris suitable for him. The suitable Keris According to Empu Djeno, there are about 300 kinds of Pamor (surface design of a Keris blade). The pamor reflects the purpose of the Keris. The drawing design should say its meaning. For a farmer, according to Pak Djeno, a straight Keris (LURUS) with Pamor Wos Wutah (spilled rice) is good. It is symbolizing a good life materially and peaceful life for the owner. In fact Pamor Wos Wutah is the mother of all kind of Pamor. There are some types of Keris, which are only fit for Kings such as Sengkelat. Pasopati, Kaladete, Pulanggeni etc. Sometimes, an ordinary people wishes to make a Keris of the above type, in that case Pak Djeno shall advise him to make a suitable Keris or he shall reject to make it. Usually customer follows his advice.
At present he is fully booked until the year of 2004. Besides classical Keris. There are Keris of souvenir class. It can be made for a much shorter period. Physically it might be OK, but without a spiritual power. At his traditional workshop, Pak Djeno are helped by his nephews and a quite a few neighbors. Ki Empu Djeno Harumbrojo wishes the art of Keris making to be always preserved in this country, as it is a reflection of Indonesia’s identity. (for deeper knowledge of Keris, please click the articles of Keris and Commemoration of 1st Suro). |
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The 70 year old Empu, Pak (father) Djeno, lives in a tranquil and green village of Gatak, SumerAgung, Moyudan, in the regency of Sleman, about 15 Km westward of Yogya city.
At first, it was not easy for Pak Djeno, to set up his own workshop. He had to approach some local high ranking officials for help, but the replies were discouraging, simply they said ……. be patient.
