Kerises / Blade

A note on the nature of the selling/acquisition of kerises and sacred items: the concept or principle of selling sacred items is not applied in the Javanese tradition. The concept of "dowry" is instead appropriated--or the exchange of hands of a sacred object. They call this "Mas Kawin" or "Mahar." It is understood that there should not be a bargaining of the dowry-price for the object between the one who releases it (the seller) and the interested party (the buyer). If the interested party does not agree on the price he simply leaves the object for another more within his budget and is his "soul-mate," or "jodoh" as it is called (the jodoh-concept actually has a much deeper significance--more related to a person's temperament). Thus, there is no standard price and no question of "over-pricing" or "cheating" on the cost. If a buyer likes the object and interested in acquiring it he would provide for whatever is requested by the releaser--exquisite/powerful kerises can fetch from US$100--$100,000. Kerises are regarded as brides and candidates for becoming the bridegroom have to treat them with respect and value them highly--before and after the "marriage." Most people are unfamiliar with this Javanese custom and thus find it confusing how kerises are priced--some are sold cheaply and are quite antique while some of contemporary production are offered expensively.