Kris Daggers
- Dated: 19th century
- Culture: Bali, Java, Indonesia
- Medium and Technique: hammered metal and carved wood
- Measurements: length 55 cm/ 49 cm
The kris is an ancient traditional weapon of the Indonesians. On the basis of the vestiges of old Javanese architecture (architectural sculpture and wall-reliefs) and written records, the origin of krises is dated from the 14th century. This legendary weapon, endowed by the Indonesians with a magic power, was made of local iron with the addition of numerous alloys of different metals.
Krises differ from other daggers in several characteristically local features-the wavy shape of the blades, widening at the grip, and the shapes of the grips themselves designed as miniature representations of pagan Hindu deities (particularly widespread on Bali and East Java), or of demons and animals, both real and fantastic. Very often such grips are genuine masterpieces of decorative art.
In the majority of instances they are carved of precious ivory or horn. At the same time the blades and grips of krises designed for high-ranking people were often made of gold, silver or the alloy of these two metals. They performed a heraldic function and indicated the social status of their owners.