Meet Pak Mazin, the keris maker of Kuala Kangsar, and discover how he uses traditional methods to keep this ancient cultural heritage kept alive. This 2-hour workshop will give you a taster of this trade.
Keris is a traditional Malay weapon and spiritual object, which is said to possess magical powers, as evident in folktales. Some blades are said to carry good luck while others carry bad luck. They may be used for display, as a talisman, a sanctified heirloom, a ceremonial accessory and a status symbol.
Having started at the age of 12, Pak Mazin is a fourth-generation keris maker who is passionate about sharing this tradition with the world. He has even crafted the keris for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and members of the royalty. In this workshop, you will learn the art and techniques behind making a keris. You will understand the different types of metal used for the blade, how to forge the blade in fire and how to carve the sheath of the keris.
By joining this workshop, you are helping Pak Mazin and his family sustain this tradition as they share these stories to the world.