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 pride and prized possession for its owner; however, as a weapon it is associated with violence, death and bloodshed. Probably for this reason, although the kris is widespread in Javanese culture, it is not used to symbolise Javanese culture or royalty, as Javanese tradition promotes harmony and discourages direct confrontation (hence the absence of knives on Indonesian dinner tables). This is also why the Javanese traditionally wear the kris on their back, to symbolize violence as the last resort. However, in other parts of archipelago, from Sumatra to the Malay Peninsula and to Sulawesi, the kris is worn on the