Kris Kris The kris (ngoko Javanese: ; krama inggil Javanese: ; ngoko: keris; krama; "dhuwung"; krama inggil: "wangkingan", lit. "to slice"; Jawi: کريس, Thai: กริช "krit", Minangkabau: "karih", Tagalog: "kalis"; Bugis and Makassarese: "sele") is an asymmetrical dagger with distinctive blade-patterning achieved through alternating laminations of iron and nickelous iron ("pamor"). Kris is most strongly associated with the culture of Indonesia. The kris is famous for its distinctive wavy blade, although many have straight blades as well. Kris have been produced in many regions of Indonesia for centuries, but nowhere—although the island of Bali comes close—is the kris so embedded in
Kris kris-wielding Moros and other Filipinos armed with blades led to the creation and use of the Colt M1911. During World War II, the kris were accompanied by other Moro swords such as barongs in the insurgency movement against Japanese occupation. In Java, the traditional art of kris-making is preserved in the Javanese culture heartland, the "keraton" (royal court) of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, and also the princedom of Mangkunegaran and Pakualaman. The Javanese kings and nobles of these courts are known to employ some kris blacksmiths ("empu") and become the patrons of their works, although the activity of kris-making is declining.