Apresiasi Seni Visual Keris Melayu Semenanjung Jenis Melela (Appreciating the Visual Art of Malay Peninsula Kerises; Melela Type)

Abstract

Keris Melayu Semenanjung merupakan artifak warisan yang mengandungi nilai seni, kemahiran pertukangan dan makna budaya, namun penghuraian estetikanya sering terbatas kepada pengiktirafan terhadap keindahan tanpa penjelasan terperinci tentang kriteria penilaian dan ciri visual yang mendasarinya. Makalah ini bertujuan menganalisis kriteria pertimbangan estetik dalam penilaian Keris Melela serta menghuraikan makna di sebalik ciri visualnya berdasarkan pengetahuan pengamal perkerisan. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui kaedah deskriptif. Pengumpulan data dilaksanakan melalui pemerhatian lapangan dalam pertandingan kecantikan keris, temu bual bersama dua orang ketua juri, penyertaan dalam bengkel penjurian, serta penelitian dokumen dan literatur berkaitan perkerisan. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif dengan meneliti kriteria pemarkahan, ciri fizikal, mutu pertukangan dan interpretasi simbolik yang dikemukakan oleh pengamal. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa apresiasi Keris Melela melibatkan penilaian terhadap kesempurnaan bilah, ketepatan garapan ricikan, mutu permukaan besi, ketandaan, serta keserasian antara bilah dengan komponen pakaian keris, iaitu hulu, sarung dan pendokok. Kehalusan akut, lurah, alor, kerawang, tulang, tebing dan lok memperlihatkan hubungan antara kemahiran teknikal dengan pembentukan nilai estetik. Kesimpulannya, apresiasi seni visual Keris Melela bukan sekadar penilaian berdasarkan keindahan formal, malah melibatkan pengetahuan teknikal, pertimbangan estetik dan pemahaman tradisi budaya. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada pendokumentasian pengetahuan perkerisan serta pengembangan wacana apresiasi seni tradisional Melayu.

Kata Kunci:  Keris, Melela, Melayu Semenanjung, apresiasi, seni visual, warisan

The Malay Peninsula Keris is a heritage artefact that embodies artistic value, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. However, discussions of its aesthetics are often limited to acknowledging its beauty, without providing a detailed explanation of the evaluative criteria and visual characteristics underpinning such assessments. This paper aims to analyse the criteria for aesthetic judgement in the evaluation of the Melela Keris and to elucidate the meanings underlying its visual features based on the knowledge of keris practitioners. The study adopts a qualitative approach using descriptive methods. Data were collected through field observations at a keris beauty competition, interviews with two chief judges, participation in a judging workshop, and examination of relevant documents and literature on keris traditions. The data were analysed descriptively by examining scoring criteria, physical characteristics, craftsmanship, and symbolic interpretations provided by practitioners. The findings indicate that the appreciation of the Melela Keris involves evaluating the perfection of the blade, the precision of ricikan detailing, the quality of the iron surface, ketandaan, and the harmony between the blade and the components of the keris ensemble, namely the hilt, sheath, and pendokok. The refinement of akut, lurah, alor, kerawang, tulang, tebing, and lok demonstrates the relationship between technical craftsmanship and the formation of aesthetic value. In conclusion, the appreciation of the Melela Keris as a form of visual art extends beyond an assessment of formal beauty to encompass technical knowledge, aesthetic judgement, and an understanding of cultural traditions. This study contributes to the documentation of keris-related knowledge and the advancement of discourse on the appreciation of traditional Malay art.

Keywords: Keris, Melela, Malay Peninsula, appreciation, visual arts, heritage