This set consists of 4 poignant drawing studies of silat gestures, and Keris Tajong, which serves as a tribute to legendary warriors from the Malayan lineage. The keris is an asymmetrical dagger with distinctive blade patterns laboriously created by iron laminations. The keris consists of three parts, the blade (wilah), hilt (hulu) and sheath (warangka). Its distinctive wavy blade encapsulates the swift movement of the serpent, while straight blades are earlier forms derived from the Majapahit era. Throughout the history of the archipelago, the keris is a symbol of heroism, martial bravery and authority. The accompanied keris has ornate Pattani hilts in the form of a kingfisher. Silat, a class of martial arts which originates from Southeast Asia has various styles and schools, with techniques focusing on strikes, joint manipulation, throws and bladed weaponry. In Silat Studies, the fixed hand positions, reminiscent of a slow dance are integral to the silat Melayu. Mat Ali Mat Som received his Bachelor of Fine Art at University Institute Technology Mara (UiTM) in 1997. His awards include winning Third prize in the KL Sentral Sculpture Contest (1997) and Honorable Mention at the Phillip Morris Malaysia Arts Awards, Kuala Lumpur (1999). His solo exhibitions include Unsung Heroes, Museum of Asian Art, University Malaya (2013) and Dendam Tak Sudah, Metro Fine Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2009). He has exhibited widely in group exhibitions such as the Asia Contemporary Art Show, Hong Kong (2012), Bridging Culture, Rosella Gallery, Singapore (2012), Lineage, Art Accent Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2012), Artriangle, National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2010) and Young and New, House of Matahati, Kuala Lumpur (2009).