Family heirloom got a new meaning for us recently. This keris was handed to the family after much research has led us back to our roots in Sumatera. Apparently it belonged to our forefathers who made the journey across the Malacca Straits nearly 300 years ago.The casing is new but the blade and the 'ulu' (handle) is original and purportedly made 900 years ago.
I have half a mind to send it for carbon dating but why destroy the magic? Apparently our ancestor left it behind and the keris was kept by another family. Once it was ascertained that we were the rightful heirs, my dad received the keris during a handover ceremony in Padang.
Unfortunately I couldn't go along. It was a whole village affair and I could just imagine the fanfare. Lo and behold, I am the 7th generation since Dato' Jannaton decided to set sail for Penang.
