The Kris: A Mysterious Weapon from Indonesia

The kris is an iron knife that was widely used on the Malay Peninsula and the surrounding islands in Southeast Asia. Kris blades are either straight or wavy, and many of them have complex linear patterns created through a special technique. With their strange and distinctive appearance, kris knives were believed to contain supernatural powers, granting their male owners protection and also acting as symbols of prestige.

This exhibition introduces Indonesian kris knives from the museum’s collection by region, including Java and Sulawesi, as well as spears, and explores the hidden meanings and wishes imbued in these weapons.