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If we are meeting for the first time, my name is Khairi Johari, better known as Pak JoFe, The Keris Collector from Singapore, your personal guide to the exciting world of the keris and its collecting culture.

If you are a fan of history, art, and mythology, embodied into these traditional daggers, that we natives of the Malay World refer to as the keris, be sure to subscribe and join our community right here on The Keris Collector YouTube Channel.

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  • MERDEKA!!! MERDEKA!!! MERDEKA 2017!!!

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    To all family, friends and fans of The Keris Collector, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you:

    “SELAMAT MENYAMBUT

    HARI KEBANSAAN

    YANG KE 60!!!”

    “HAPPY 60th INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!”

    May the sacrifices and struggles made by the founding fathers of Independent Malaya be remembered, admired and emulated by all its citizens, leaders and elected office bearers of the present and the future.

    A Note About Hari Merdeka – Independence Day

    Hari Merdeka (Malaysian for ‘Independence Day’), also known as Hari Kebangsaan (National day), refers to the day when the Federation of Malaya’s independence from the British Empire was officially declared. At exactly 09:30 on 31 August 1957, the declaration was read by the first Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman at the Merdeka Stadium in the presence of thousands of people including Malay Rulers, members of the federal government, and foreign dignitaries.

    To commemorate the event, Hari Merdeka was declared a national holiday in Malaysia and observed annually on 31 August. The day should not be confused with Hari Malaysia (‘Malaysia Day’) that commemorates the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, when North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore federated with the existing states of the Federation of Malaya.

     

    References:

    En.m.wikipedia.org. (2017). Hari Merdeka. [online] Available at: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Merdeka [Accessed 31 Aug. 2017].

  • SUSTAIN INTEREST THROUGH COLLABORATIONS

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    ​Sustain Interest Through Collaborations

    Subject matter experts in areas of intangible cultural heritage are a rare breed. Even rare are individuals who are self-professed and socially recognized and acknowledged experts in various intangible cultural fields. Subject matter experts in areas of intangible cultural heritage may not necessarily be academically trained to appraise their interest from an academic standpoint, but their motivations are rooted from pure love of their chosen areas of interest. Their dedicated passions often leads them to having a deeper understanding and appreciation of their areas of interest.
    Cultural expressions passed down from one generation to another, evolves in response to environments and contribute to giving us a sense of identity
    and continuity…
    In retrospect, academics and overly narrow minded persons might perceive subject matter experts as mere interest enthusiasts instead of expert connoisseurs in their knowledge of specific area of intangible niche interest. This is a valid argument. However, this is the area herein lies opportunities for an objective collaboration between enthusiasts and academics. The lines between enthusiasts and academics may appear distinct and separate in most cases but both share a common ground in its study and appreciation. It is critical to give due recognition to both academia and enthusiasts who are active proponent and advocate of preserving intangible cultural heritage.
    Intangible cultural heritage is dependant on those whose knowledge of
    traditions, skills and customs are
    passed on to the rest of the community.

    What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?

    According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage is defined and not limited to include oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.

    The Benefits of Sharing And Collaborating

    Any successful endeavour, be it big or small, has one thing at its core: effective collaboration. Deliverables are achieved through knowledge sharing. No one person may boldly claim to be a master of many skills, talents and knowledge.

    The adage old saying

    “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”

    is dead.

    “SHARING AND COLLABORATING”

    is a more effective direction to ensure sustainability and growth.

    Safeguarding a living heritage

    Just like culture in general, intangible heritage is constantly changing and evolving, and being enriched by each new generation. Many expressions and manifestations of intangible cultural heritage are under threat, endangered by globalization and cultural homogenisation, and also by a lack of support, appreciation and understanding. If intangible cultural heritage is not nurtured, it risks becoming lost forever, or frozen as a practice belonging to the past.

    Communities themselves must take part in identifying and
    defining intangible cultural heritage: they are the ones
    deciding which practices are part of their cultural heritage.

    Preserving this heritage and passing it on to future generations strengthens it, and keeps it alive while allowing for it to change and adapt.
    In order to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, we need different measures from the ones used for conserving monuments, sites and natural spaces. For intangible to be kept alive, it must remain relevant to a culture and be regularly practised and learned within communities and between generations.

    The Keris Collector, welcomes initiatives and invitations for potential collaboration with any individuals or organisations with common ground and standing on matters pertaining to knowledge transfer and preservation. We look forward to share, learn and grow together as a community.

    Interested? Questions? Do e-mail us at enquiry@thekeriscollector.com

    References:

    1. Anon, (2017). [online] Available at: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2mH9Jf9FQh8WmZhanFOQmlBc3c [Accessed 30 Aug. 2017].
    2. Cherbel, V. (2017). 10 Reasons To Share Knowledge – Quandora. [online] Quandora. Available at: http://www.quandora.com/10-reasons-to-share-knowledge/ [Accessed 30 Aug. 2017].

  • WHAT IS INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE?

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    What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?

    Click the link below for the full PDF Article:

    >>>>>>> What Is Intangible Cultural Heritage? <<<<<<<

  • SINGAPORE HERITAGE SHORT FILM COMPETITION 2017

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    Singapore Heritage Short Film Competition 2017

    – An MDIS Student Video Project

    Not too long ago, sometime in April 2017, I was approached by a group of graduating MDIS students from the School of Mass Communications who was interested to make a video about me, “The Keris Collector”, for both their graduation project and submission for this year’s Singapore Heritage Short Film Competition (Student Category).

    Special thanks to Mr Fuadi Rahmat, my long time friend whom I knew back in the days when he was the business development manager at the Malay Heritage Center who recommended me to his students.

    It is interesting to see the creative direction of these fine young would be future film makers. Acceding to their creative direction, I went with their vision and cinematic style. Despite not having won this competition, it was a notable effort by all involved nonetheless. Film making is not as easy or as glamorous as it appears to be made out to be.

    Notable improvements can be made from this short ensemble, and this might just be the baseline for future video projects. A valuable experience indeed and exposure to the resources available at MDIS School of Media and Mass Communications.

    Thank you to graduating students, Mr Irwan, Mr Daniel and Mr Aiman for putting together this interesting piece. Special mention and thanks to MDIS Personnel, Mr Fuadi and Mr Rahman, for their invaluable technical guidance and sound practical suggestions.

  • “TULANG MAWAS” RE-EXAMINED

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    “TULANG MAWAS” RE-EXAMINED

    Author(s): Prince John Loewenstein
    Source: Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. 26, No. 1 (161)
    (July, 1953), pp. 37-42
    Published by: Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

    Click the link below for the full PDF Article:

    >>>>>>> “Tulang Mawas” Re-examined <<<<<<<

  • THE ORIGIN OF THE ‘TULANG MAWAS’

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    THE ORIGIN OF THE ‘TULANG MAWAS’

    Author(s): H. G. Quaritch Wales
    Source: Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. 47, No. 1 (225)
    (1974), pp. 110-111
    Published by: Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

    Click the link below for the full PDF Article:

    >>>>>>> THE ORIGIN OF THE ‘TULANG MAWAS’ <<<<<<<

  • BEING PETTY REVEALS MUCH ABOUT YOURSELF

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    Organisations are not petty, persons assigned the duties of running them mostly are. I cannot stress this enough.
     
    “Collectors with deep pockets naturally will have an extensive network and it is just a matter of time before word and evidence of petty and disgruntled sentiments reach them.” – Trivialities Are A Waste of Time By The Keris Collector.
     
    It is unfortunate and a great loss to any organisation who employs individuals who lacks tact and diplomacy in handling potentially sensitive issues arising from menial of matters. An even greater loss when communications are not reviewed before being communicated externally.
     
    Assessing a communication objectively, a rational and mature mind will conclude that though concerns may appear valid but if it has been communicated with spite saturated gusto, envy and a clear vindictive tone, this regrettably will set any organisation back by a few steps. 
     
    Individuals representing any established organisation should always refer back to their established mission, vision and core values when contemplating to raise issues. Better still to consult with their organisations’ communications and public relations department before raising concerns on behalf of the organisation.
    Ironically these days, individuals running such organisations, assume they own the organisation and thus assigned themselves the revered rights of speaking on behalf of everyone.
    A professional organisation, run by professionals will always be reminded that whatever they communicate, on behalf of the organisation, reflects every aspect of the organisation.
    Have a baboon sending out your communications and you will have a serious communications crisis on your hands. Even worse, your organisation loose support, faith and trust.
    Support, Faith and Trust are basic constructs that ensures a continued partnership and support, Failing in these areas can be disastrous. Words rages like wild fire within niche communities.
    No single organisation has the facilities to sustain their objectives without communal support. It is very arrogant on the part of any organisation to assume they have all the required resources and require no support at all.
    Even worse to have the audacity to dictate what can be done and cannot be done by organisations who have the resources and capabilities to carry out where the latter fails.
    The Keris Collector, takes a very serious stand on any displeasure communicated. We are fair and impartial in our judgement. We look at any issues holistically and we take serious stand against individuals representing organisations who are racists, provocative, envious, vindictive, malicious, religious zealots, and linguistically biased.
    We partner with anyone who shares a common ground; regardless of race, language or religion; and we extend our programmes, support and partnership with anyone interested, all in the name of maintaining our treasured harmony among races here.
    Any individuals, representing any organisations or institutions whom we deemed to have crossed the professional boundary, we will simply escalate with evidence to a higher governing authority. Communication is important but diplomacy is key. We do not wish to be associated by arrogant bigots who represents any legitimate organisations and presume to be a leading authority on any subject to dictate what and how things should be done. That is pure arrogance.
    Arrogance has no place within the confines of The Keris Collector. A professional organisation, should enlist passionate and professional representatives who have the humble acumen to be instrumental, tactful and exercise diplomacy in any direct discourse or disagreement instead of reacting emotionally over self perceived wrongs.
    Whereever The Keris Collector may be, we record history. Whatever transpired will be documented objectively, with credentials and attributions credited where it rightfully deserves from a recognition standpoint and also from a historical archive content. We will neither omit any details knowingly nor add in false attributes. Facts remains as facts and we stand by the facts. Facts speaks for themselves.
    Leaders leading organisations should stand firm and not be easily swayed by immature correspondents. Identify issues objectively instead of reacting blindly to peer pressure. Identify correctly what the issue is instead of hanging the wrongfully accused. That is how a professional organisation should behave. No one has to be victim of a bully.
    To end this note, you know who you truly are. Look deep into your souls and you will see your true nature reflect back at you. Find a common ground and negotiate for a win-win situation. It is never a win when the other parties appear to loose. In the confines of private talks, for all you know, you have already become the crowning joke of the moment. A shame is it not?

  • TRIVIALITIES ARE A WASTE OF TIME

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    Collectors with deep pockets and precise appraisal of any given situation often have far more important matters to attend to rather than waste away on petty circumstances.

    Serious collectors often fill their time undertaking earnest study  and documentation of the objects they collect. Shelves lined with books and display cases filled to its maximum capacity with specimens are the collector’s haven.

    Seldom do collectors shy away from their sanctuary and participate in community oriented events. But when they do respond to an invitation, rest assured they respond with pomp and poise. Their turnout and bearings reflect the knowledge and understanding attained from years of research and experience.

    Collectors are not driven by fame or glamour. Passion and earnest sincerity drives them. The least one can do is a show of gratitude and acknowledgement. Instead of envy and a deluded sense of having one’s limelight taken away.

    Collectors with deep pockets naturally will have an extensive network and it is just a matter of time before word of petty and disgruntled sentiments reach them. Hence it would be wise not to overstep the boundary of being objective and crossing over towards childish demeanor.

    Offend a collector even once and one may find oneself losing a potential high rolling client. Collectors are clients after all in the end. One cannot refer oneself as a collector if one does not have the means to do so. That is a fact.

    Just as how a collector objectively documents his finds. A collector will ultimately decide if future collaborations are sustainable. Organisations with members lacking empathy and maturity leaves a rather sour taste in the mouth after all.

    Collectors after all are financially independent in sustaining their collections hence the saying “collectors don’t owe anyone a living” is apropos.

    Collectors are independent. Their interest are neither politically motivated nor sponsored in any way. Hence it would be prudent to be thoughtful when intention to sway any collectors towards one’s agenda and motives. Be it political or financial, collectors are not interested in the gains of others. A person of sound principles will see opportunities at every turn and strive for a win-win situation yet sadly these days, immaturity festers in those positioned within ivory towers.

     

  • PUBLISHED WRITING DEBUT IN SOULFUL STORIES

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    PUBLISHED WRITING DEBUT IN SOULFUL STORIES

    It has been my childhood dream to be a published author. Having won several writing competitions and featured write ups in Berita Harian (Singapore Malay Newspaper) back in my days as a student, my passion for writing drove me towards the study of Mass Communications in my adult years.

    Needless to say, what I acquired from my Mass Communications modules from Oklahoma City University, enhanced my writing skills further, to which I had no regrets of undertaking this field of study.

    Not too long ago, sometime early this year, I chanced upon the opportunity presented by noted author and publisher, my good friend, Maria Mahat, who was on the look out for contributing authors for one of her latest book projects.

    Ungu Pen, Maria’s flagship publishing house was putting together a compilation of stories to inspire Muslims and non-Muslims to be better versions of themselves. Stories aimed towards inspiring readers with hope, love and warmth.

    Instinctively I jumped at the opportunity and spent 2 days writing my first draft which was anchored from a bitter-sweet memory. An experience that made me the man I am today.

    By July 2017, the book was ready for sale. Little did I know that my story was to appear amongst several other notable and established authors, some of whom are my respected friends. Truly a humbling experience to have my short story selected and published alongside experienced writers.

     

    I wrote my story from a third person narrative. No doubt the names have been made up, the characters and events are borne from my experience. Titled “The ReSurrected”, a cautionary tale of what could have been a tragic end had intercession not been granted.

    A passage from my short story – The Resurrected”

    I will not spoil your reading pleasure by revealing too much about the stories in this compilation. I encourage your to grab your copy today from any of these fine establishments:

    1. Ungu Pen
    2. Wardah Books

    Or you could also contact me personally if you would like to get a copy from me. Email me at enquiry@thekeriscollector.com

    Do support local publishers and writers.

    My Personal Commemorative Copy. Signed By Maria Mahat.

    From The Desk of Maria Mahat:

    Soulful Stories: of Hope, Love and Light
    ISBN: 978-981-11-3521-7
    No of Pages: 216
    Publisher: Ungu Pen, Singapore

     

     

     

    Contributing Authors: 23 authors: Ameera Begum, Azallea Crafts-Smith, Djohan Abdul Rahman, Erni M Kassim, Fazil Musa, Haizah Bakar, Hannah Sofia, Hidayah Amin, Humairah Jamil, Juzaila Jumari, Jasima Syed Sulaiman, Jumaini Ariff, Khairi Johari (Pak JoFe), Khalid Ajmain, Lily Awallyah, Nur Fatiin, Rabiatul P., Raisa Malik, Safa E. Kirani, Shalina Mohamed Ismail, Siti Hamidah Bahashwan, Suad Kamardeen, Tayeba Abdur Rahman

    Compilation Editor: Maria Mahat
    Co-editor: Faizah Abdul Malik
    Foreword: Mizi Wahid
    Poems by: Hafez, Maryam Amelie
    Cover Designer: Zaiba M Noor

    Blurb: A compilation of 23 Soulful Stories from Muslim individuals from all walks of life, depths of beliefs and strength of characters. Stories of faith and hope; healing and gratitude; of seeking God’s love and seeing His light. Stories to uplift your soul.

    Testimonial: This amazing compilation of stories by Maria Mahat and her publishing house, UnguPen, helps us to recognise the variety, the uniqueness, and the reality of challenges faced by the people around us. This book teaches us that behind every smile, there may be fragility, vulnerability, and at the same time, immense strength.
    —Mizi Wahid, Author, The Art of Letting God

    REFERENCES:
    Ungu Pen. (2017). Home. [online] Available at: http://www.ungupen.com/ [Accessed 21 Aug. 2017].
    Wardah Books. (2017). Wardah Books. [online] Available at: http://www.wardahbooks.com/ [Accessed 21 Aug. 2017].

  • BUSANA GLORY AT KAMPUNG GLAM

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    Malay tradition is alive and well at Kampong Glam. Promoting the diverse mix of traditional and contemporary cultural heritage, passionate individuals volunteered to showcase the colour and vibrancy of traditional Malay Dress and Art of Self Defence.

    Seligi Tunggal Singapura co-ordinated the highlights of the evening’s programme.

    Energetic penchak silat moves from various schools of thought, silat percussion beats and a procession in traditional busana wear, were the key highlights of the evening.

    Responding to an invitation by Tuan Guru Khaizuran Ahmad, from Seligi Tunggal Singapura, I graced this occasion in the name of camaraderie and support for the traditional arts.

    Familiar faces greeted me at the event and it was a pleasure to make new acquaintances as well.

    It was a proud moment for me to observe and be amongst various perguruans who graciously participated in this festival. This is a healthy indication of willingness to participate in a public event, oriented for the benefit of the community.

    A night truly worth the time, with all its vibrant beats and splendour. An opportunity to showcase to the community of how rich and alive the Malay arts truly is and how proud we are still to don and be seen in our full traditional busana in public.

    It is not so often that you get to see me, The Keris Collector, donning a traditional head wear in place of my trusty Fedora hat right?

    For this event i decided to go with my own stylised look.

      1. Head Gear: Tengkolok Getam Budu
      2. Main Wear: Baju Kurung Melayu Cekak Musang
      3. Waistcoat Vest: Sleeveless Songket Baju Layar
      4. Waist Apron: Samping Songket Bunga Tabur Warna Hijau
      5. Waist Belt: Bengkung Hijau + Pending Sumatra
      6. Footwear: Chapal Songket
      7. Accessories: Keris Selit Debek + Tongkat kayu

    REFERENCES:

    NONE

    GLOSSARY:

    penchak silat: Malay Martial Arts

    busana: traditional Malay formal event dressing

    perguruans: Malay Martial Arts schools

    PHOTO CREDITS:

    Anak Boyan

    Angah Temasek

    Kangjeng Raden Tumenggung Satriadipuro

    M Fairuz Zazali

    Nur Farhanah Zazali

    Rahmat Kiwon

    VIDEO CREDITS:

    Gyngaro Nin