The Philosophy of Art Behind the Aesthetics of ‘Keris Malela’

This study explores the profound philosophical significance and aesthetic beauty of the Malela keris blade within Malay civilization. Utilizing Herbert's qualitative analysis of artistic forms, the research aims to appreciate the philosophical underpinnings imbued in the keris's design. The methodology involves observing the physical forms of the Malela keris blade, focusing on elements such as lok, akut, bone, canyon, groove, and cliff, which distinguish it from other keris blades. The study emphasizes the craftsmanship finesse of Malela keris blacksmiths, highlighting the unique appearance identity and deep crafting philosophy of the blade. While limited to the blade alone, the research draws from library resources including books, articles, and journals to enrich its findings.