Indonesian Kris

　　Proclamation: 2005

Member State(s): Indonesia

Region: Asia-Pacific

Associated themes: Traditional knowledge and know-how

The kris or keris is a distinctive, asymmetrical dagger from Indonesia. Both a weapon and spiritual object, krises are often considered to possess magical powers. The earliest krises known were made around 1360 A.D. and most probably spread from the islands throughout southeast Asia.

　　Kris blades are usually narrow with a wide, asymmetrical base. The different metals formed into the blade give the steel its distinctive 'watered' appearance called, pamor. The sheath is often made from wood, though examples from ivory, even gold, abound. A kris' aesthetic value covers the dhapur (the form and design of the blade, with around 150 variants), the pamor (the pattern of metal alloy decoration on the blade, with around 60 variants), and tangguh, referring to the age and origin of a kris. A blade smith, or empu, makes the blade in layers of different iron ores and meteorite nickel. Some blades can be made in a relatively short time, while more complex weapons take years to complete. In high quality kris blades, the metal is folded dozens or hundreds of times and handled with the utmost precision. Empu are highly respected craftsmen with additional knowledge in literature, history, and the occult.