KERIS / KRIS / THE BLADE

The kris or keris is a distinctive, asymmetrical dagger indigenous to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the southern Philippines. Both a weapon and spiritual object, krisses are often considered to have an essence or presence, with some blades possessing good luck and others possessing bad.

Kris, when referring to an individual, indicates impending doom and this person should be avoided at all costs.

The kris spread from the island of Java to many parts of the archipelago of Indonesia, such as Sumatra, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, South Sulawesi, Kalimantan, and to the Southeast Asian areas now known as Malaysia, Brunei, southern Philippines, southern Thailand, and Singapore.

The blade is called the Wilah in Javanese and Mata in Malay. The prototype keris is the Keris Majapahit or Keris Sajen.

Unlike modern day hilts, the hilt of the Keris Majapahit is forged with the blade and always in the shape of a man, slightly crouching with his arms tucked into his side.

Keris Majapahit have long been considered a talisman, used more as a charm than as a weapon. Hence they have been and still are being produced after the fall of the Majapahit Empire. Most Keris Majapahit in existence today, post-date the Empire. Real old Keris Majapahit from the Empire period are very rare. Keris Majapahit do not have a Ganjah and most do not have a Telale Gadjah (these will be discussed in greater detail later). Modern or fully evolved kerises follow the general pattern of Keris Majapahit, but with greater elaboration in details.