THE KERIS

The Keris is the distinctive edged weapon of the Malayu World. The origin of the word is from the Malayu verb "iris", to cut. It is widely spread in the Archipelago, but has its origin in the island of Java. It is associated with special power due to its blade pattern welding (pamor) and shape (dapur).

The Keris is a mystical weapon, Malayu people believe it is inhabited by a spirit, and the choice of a good Keris goes with a thorough knowledge of the power, the magic and the wealth of each pamor and dapur to match your personality and needs. Some keris are transmitted from generation to generation as pusaka (heirlooms).

The Keris origin is a subject of controversial theories. The Keris History page is a tentative contribution to this debate. A primitive variation of the Keris called Sajen or Majapahit, often wrongly identified as a proto Keris, is in fact a talisman.

The Keris is a unique thrusting dagger from the Malayu world. It covers a geographical area which extends from Southern Thailand, to the Sunda Strait and from Sumatra to the Philippines Moro Land. Although each region has its particularities in terms of blade, hilt or sheath shape, there are four common denominator to make a Keris:

1. A sinuous or straight double edged blade (wilah) of rough texture often damascened (pamor).
2. A unique asymmetrical part at the base of the blade (ganja). Usually, a separate piece of metal welded together with the blade.
3. A removable hilt (ukiran), to allow the blade cleaning (siraman), with a pistol grip shape, often representing a deity.
4. A sheath (warangka) with a protruding base to accommodate the asymmetrical blade base.