The exotic Yogya Keris

We are now in the 20th century. Therefore we need to realize that we need to preserve the artworks of the culture from our ancestors. We need to preserve them so that it will not be eroded by the ages. The artworks of our ancestors made centuries ago encompass high artistic value, symbolical meanings and are to proud of. One of those artworks are Tosan Aji (valuable Irons) in the form of keris and spears.Tosan aji or also known as Besi aji means valuable irons. It does not mean that we need to pray to the irons but to honor because they are the heritage from our ancestors that are very valuable. When making keris, empu (keris maker) does not only create a weapon to kill or to hurt but also for other reason which are believed to enhance the charisma and confidence of the bearer. This can all be seen in the process of the making which require meditations and offerings and finding materials which can take a long time. As heirlooms, these valuable irons are treated carefully, from storing, drawing out, to maintenances. This treatment itself is an art itself.With all respects and as effort to preserve these heritages, we try to gather literature sources about tosan aji in a script. Our wishes are to give a picture and information about the basics of tosan aji. We realize that it contains many shortcomings in the process. Therefore, constructive critics and suggestions are very much welcome. We hope that this script will be useful and give the basic introduction about tosan aji as heritage from our ancestors which we have to preserve.