Ethnic Cultures of Asia: The Kris: A Mysterious Weapon from Indonesia
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Kris
Eastern Java, Indonesia, 17th–18th century, (Gift of Mr. J. C. Bijleveld)Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 13
June 24, 2025 (Tue) - November 16, 2025 (Sun)The kris is a dagger that was used widely on the Malay Peninsula and the surrounding islands in Southeast Asia. A kris consists of a blade, a hilt, and a sheath that are made of different materials, and each of these components is distinctively shaped. Kris blades are either straight or wavy, and many of them have unique patterns created through their forging process during which multiple types of metals were wrought.
Kris daggers were believed to possess magical powers, granting their owners protection and serving as symbols of the owners’ prestige. Even today, kris daggers are worn by Indonesian men around their waists as part of their traditional attire at ceremonial occasions such as weddings. They are not only weapons, but also works of art, as well as objects symbolizing their owners’ spirituality and social standing.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Kris | Eastern Java, Indonesia | 17th–18th century | Gift of Mr. J. C. Bijleveld, TK-3114 | |||
| Highlight | Kris | Java, Indonesia | 1910 | Gift of Mr. J. C. Bijleveld, TK-3111 |