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Javanese kris

Type Object Region Asia Time c. 800

The Javanese kris is a wavy-bladed dagger peculiar to the Indonesian archipelago, forged from meteoric iron or fine steel, whose blade curves (luk) a…

Timeline

  1. c. 800–1200Central Java · JavaDuring the Srivijaya and Singhasari periods, the kris's curved blade and scabbard craftsmanship gradually took shape, becoming an aristocratic ornament and ceremonial symbol.
  2. 1301–1310Trowulan · East JavaThe Majapahit court maintained a specialized system of swordsmiths (empu), forging kris with specific motifs and blessing rituals for the royal family and nobility.
  3. c. 1400–1800Nusantara archipelago · Southeast AsiaWith Majapahit influence and Islamization, kris styles spread to Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo, forming regional school differences.
  4. 2005Java · JavaIndonesia has listed kris-forging techniques as national intangible cultural heritage, and contemporary empu continue the tradition of ceremonial swordsmithing.

Sources