KI GAGAK PETAK The Heirloom Keris at NEKA ART MUSEUM
H. Erick Thohir was greeted by founder Suteja Neka and his family when he visited the Neka Art Museum. This was Erick Thohir's first visit to the Neka Art Musem Kris pavilion. On this occasion, the Ki Gagak Petak Kris became the center of attention. The Ki Gagak Petak Kris is a relic from the Kingdom of Buleleng. It was made by Ida Pedanda Ngurah Sakti Lalandep of Banjar, Buleleng. Anak Agung Parwata Panji -son of Puri Kanginan Buleleng king - inherited and presented it to the Neka Art Museum on 8 August 2009.
The dapur of Keris is kalarau luk pitu ( Kalarau with 7 curves blade shape) bring authority, succes and peace. It is named for the tooled and gold inlaid demon head at the base of the keris. The blade and crosspiece are inlaid with gold fire, insect, floral and bintulu . The crosspiece underside has a Singa ambara symbol of Singaraja capital of Buleleng and a winged animal with head of Twalen .
Pamor ngulit semangka (watermelon skin blade pattern) brings prosperity . The gold Danganan grantim (contoured cylindrical hilt) was reserved for royalty. The gold base and ring are inlaid with gemstones . The original ivory handle was badly damaged and replaced with this antique one. Warangka kojongan (conical sheath) is of kayu bentawas ( Wrightia calycina) - wood with a layer of variegated kayu timaha (Klenhovia hospita) wood. It was brittle with age and reinforced with gold and silver casing of tooled floral motifis inlaid with gemstones. Aside from an heirloom Kris, the Kris Seselet that Suteja Neka often wore to cultural events and ceremonies was shown. Seselet is a noteworthy Kris due to a blend of various cultural icons of the Nusantara archipelago.