EXPLORING THE SKETCHES OF HULU KERIS (DAGGER HILT) OF MASTER CRAFTSMAN NORHAIZA NOORDIN

Abstract

Keris or dagger is one of the Malay traditional weapons that represent various cultural symbols, such as pride and power. In Malaysia, one of the famous
woodcarvers for keris is Norhaiza Noordin, who had received recognition as Adiguru kraf (Master Craftsman). He has carved different forms of keris hilts, and with various motifs. The abstract motifs of flora, fauna and geometric patterns have become the central features for the hilt. This research aims to explore the sketches of hulu keris made by him in the past few years, which have been developed to get insights of the keris hilt’s forms. A total of 14 sketches of the hilts were analysed. The methodology is to identify their visual attributes, such as types of motifs and forms of carving. The results show that motifs of leaves and flowers are the prevailing features that dominate the hilt designs.