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THE KRIS: HERITAGE OF HUMANITY

The keris or kris is a dagger that is native to the Malay world. It is made and used mainly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Southern Thailand and Southern Philippines, where it is famed for its spiritual and mythological prowess. Although its true origin is hotly debated by scholars and enthusiasts, the term keris', is said to be of Javanese origin and is derived from the word ngeris, meaning to stab' or to pierce'. The kris was an essential part of Malay society, not only as a weapon in combat, but also for its significance in traditional ceremony and personal adornment. Through the centuries, it has also been held in high regard as an enduring symbol of heroism.

Tales of kris, like that of Hang Tuah's legendary Taming Sari, have become very much part of this region's history and folklore. The kris is so synonymous with Malay culture that other forms of edged weapons are largely overlooked. It is likely that the kris became so popular because it is so closely related to silat, the Malay form of martial arts, which requires close body contact. To allow freedom of movement, Malay warriors preferred not to be encumbered by heavy swords or armour. Therefore, the kris was designed specifically for close-range stabbing, rather than cutting or slashing.

Both men and women carried kris, which were at most times, as much as part of the Malay person's ensemble as a sarong. Kris for women, however, tended to be smaller and lighter, although no less lethal. In the past, women who were skilled in martial arts acted as bodyguards to the queen. Some disguised themselves in men's clothing and they typically wore black, which is the colour of bravery. The average person would normally carry just one kris, but warriors may carry as many as three, varying in length for different purposes. Normally, the kris would be tucked rather casually into the sarong, with the sampir or crosspiece holding it in place. In many parts of the Malay world, the kris was also the choice weapon for execution. The executioner's kris was typically long and had a straight, slender blade. The condemned typically knelt before the executioner, who places a wad of cotton or cloth on the subject's shoulder or clavicle area. The blade is then thrust through the padding and into the subclavian artery and heart. Upon withdrawal, the cloth wiped the blade clean. As death was nearly instantaneous, this was considered one of Asia's more humane methods of capital punishment.

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