via South China Morning Post, 26 February 2023: An Indonesian kris-maker uses YouTube to share his knowledge and skills of making the traditional dagger. He hopes to preserve the cultural heritage and attract younger generations to learn the craft.
It was eight years ago that Mangmong Lembu Bara raised eyebrows among a community of master craftsman by using YouTube and unsheathing the secrets of making the kris – Indonesia’s traditional dagger, and quietly keeping alive an artisanal skill recognised by Unesco.
But the art of making the foot-long, wavy blades which are finished with a unique marbling effect and by lore carry mystical powers, faces death by a thousand cuts; rising costs, shrinking market and the passing of great smiths.
So Bara says the modern world of social media is needed to provide opportunities for a new generation of kris smiths like himself.
He has been able to score overseas customers, including a Kabbalah practitioner in Israel seeking a ceremonial knife, after they viewed his handiwork on YouTube and Instagram.
“Quite a few of the older generation of kris-makers were taken aback when I told them I regularly upload videos showing my forging techniques,” he said.
