Capítulo 108: Keris

The keris is a stabbing weapon belonging to the dagger group originating from Java which has a variety of cultural functions known in the western and central parts of the archipelago. It has a distinctive shape and is easy to distinguish from other sharp weapons because it is not symmetrical at the broad base, often the blade is winding, and many of them have prestige (damascene), which is visible fibers of a bright metallic coating on the blade.

In the past, the kris functioned as a weapon in a duel or war, as well as as a complementary object to offerings. In today's use, the keris is more of an accessory (ageman) in clothing, has a number of cultural symbols, or becomes a collection object that is judged in terms of aesthetics.

The keris has been registered and recognized by UNESCO as a non-human material world cultural heritage originating from Indonesia since 2005.