Pusaka Pangruwating Jiwa

The keris is one of the most fascinating cultural treasures of Indonesia — a dagger that is not merely a weapon, but a living heirloom (pusaka), carrying memory, power and presence. For centuries it has been revered as a companion of kings, nobles, warriors and families, passed down through generations as both symbol and protector. Yet much of its deeper spiritual meaning is rarely spoken of, or is scattered in fragments across myth, ritual and oral tradition. In Pusaka Pangruwating Jiwa, David Gallas brings together history, mythology, ritual practice and personal testimony in a groundbreaking book that reveals the keris as more than steel and form. Written not as a catalogue or academic manual, but as a living journey, this book explores the keris as a spiritual companion, a bridge between visible and invisible worlds, and a guardian of cultural memory. The author, whose family roots lie in Java, combines his own life story with years of study, visits to Indonesia, and a profound engagement with the keris tradition. His writing is enriched by personal experience: dreams, rituals, and encounters that illuminate the keris not just as an object of heritage, but as a bearer of