17 Facts About Kris

Kris, or keris in the Indonesian language, is an asymmetrical dagger with distinctive blade-patterning achieved through alternating laminations of iron and nickelous iron .

Kris can be divided into three parts: blade, hilt, and sheath .

Kris are used for display, as talismans with magical powers, weapons, a sanctified heirloom, auxiliary equipment for court soldiers, an accessory for ceremonial dress, an indicator of social status, a symbol of heroism, etc.

Kris is promoted by the Indonesian government as a cultural symbol of Indonesia.

Kris have been produced in many regions of Indonesia for centuries, but it is particularly associated with the culture of Central Java, as it is embedded in a mutually-connected whole of ritual prescriptions and acts, ceremonies, mythical backgrounds and epic poetry.

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Kris's history is generally traced through the study of carvings and bas-relief panels found in Java, Indonesia.

Kris were used commonly in battle, during the early modern period, instead of having professional armies, most kings within the region relied on their courtiers to mobilize for war whenever required and since most Javanese, Malay and Makassarese would own a kris, the weapon would have seen regular combat.

Kris made in the Philippines are often in variants, with half-wavy half-straight blades.

Kris blades are usually narrow with a wide, asymmetrical base.

Kris were worn at special ceremonies, with heirloom blades being handed down through successive generations.

Kris are used for display, as talismans with magical powers, weapons, sanctified heirloom, auxiliary equipment for court soldiers, as an accessory for ceremonial dress, an indicator of social status, a symbol of heroism, etc.

Kris-makers did more than forge the weapon, they carried out the old rituals which could infuse the blade with mystical powers.

Kris was defeated in a duel to the death by the Melakan admiral Hang Tuah, after which the king of Majapahit presented the weapon to the victor.

Kris urged her brother in-law, Hadiwijaya the ruler of Pajang, to kill Arya Penangsang.

Kris encircled his hanging intestines on his kris hilt, and continued to fight.

Kris's kris was long considered lost, but has now been found, after being identified by the Dutch National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden.

Kris is depicted on different flags, emblems, coats and logos such as those of the Mataram Sultanate, Riau Islands Province, Terengganu and Selangor.