While the exact beginning of the Keris may never be known, it is usually listed by Kris collectors, that the first blade to be labelled Kris was the Majapahit Kris. It is from the 13th Century East Javanese Kingdom of Singhasari. This Empire was the predecessor of the great kingdom of Majapahit which included all Indonesia and Philippines as we know it today. This is regarded as the great cultural time and classical age of Java.

The first Kris was of the straight bladed type and was in fact not a real weapon at all but a Magickal piece, a Talisman designed to empower the carrier. Once the blade developed into a real Magickal and Combat weapon, every part was assigned a particular name. Some of these names had common meaning, but most were reserved for the Kris, it is thought that these words were a special Spirit language, which hid the meaning from the unworthy. The least common and the most prized are Kris of a wavy shape. The shape is indicative of the body of a snake and the crowned head of a dragon. It must be noted that the Indonesian culture had a very strong animalistic spiritual background. The waves on these blades were sometimes used to designate a person of high honour. The more waves ( Luks ) the higher the person position. The total number of waves on any Keris will always be an odd number

The following are three predominative Indonesian Types of Kris often found:

1. Javanese Kris: Blade colour varies from grey to black with a distinctive raised Pamour ( blade texture and design ). Materials run from the ordinary Iron to the Pamour Sanak ( which is a mixture of nickel and meteorite) which was found in all the best blades. Javanese workmanship was of the highest type, even in the plainer blades.
   
   
2. Balinese Kris: This is often a fairly large Kris, larger than most other types. The blade is often of a very smooth and shiny finish, with the colour being dark black, with the nickel shinning through making quite a contrast. Since Bali remained Hindu while Islam was the predominative force in Java, the original Hindu God forms are often seen at the head of the Kris, also there are the Kris Malala which has a raised rib on its length.
   
   
3. Bugis Kris; This type of Kris comes from Nortern Sumatra, Southern Sulawesi and the peninsular Malaya. The blade often has the rough outward appearances of the Javanese type, but with less artistic design. However due to the heavier blade usually found in this type of Kris, along with a sturdier sheath ( Wooden Case Kris Holder ), it’s makes a very good fighting Kris.

In daily wear the Kris was essential and it played a special part in the culture that we in the West have no counterpart for. A young boy was not considered a man until his father give him a Kris. In times of peace the Kris was carried on the right side, and to wear it on the left was consider rude and insulting. Status in the society as far as rank and position was at once, noticeably by the type of Kris that was carried. To carry a Kris above your rank was a crime and also thought to bring bad luck.

In battle, often the Warrior would arm himself with three blades. One, which was the family heirloom ( Pusaka ) passed onto him by his father and carried on his right side. The second, a blade made just for him containing his personal powers was positioned on his left side. The third was a Kris presented to him by his father – in – law ( if Married ). This one was placed on his back. During court sessions all Krisses had to be covered by the sarong of the wearer. The Kris was so powerful and revered that if one Kingdom wished to take over another, it was sometimes done by merely take the others sacred Pusaka Krisses. At this point it was not uncommon for the side which lost its Magickal Blades to simply give up.

When worn in daily wear it was commonly carried in the back secured by the cloth which went over the sarong, as mentioned on the right side. Some of the handles, especially the Balinese versions, contain a God form which look backwards to protect the wearer from danger from behind. In many dwellings, again commonly in Bali, were large carved effigies which served as a resting place or Kris holder, for the visitors, or inhabitants Kris. Sometimes plaques were hung on the wall over the bed securing protection all night long. It has been told that some very powerful Kris would rattle in their cases to warn of upcoming danger.

So this blade was a religious, magickal talisman, a personage, and a weapon all rolled into one. The Empu Pawangs were exalted by the royal rulers who gave them rank and honour. Many of the Empu’s (Kris Maker’s) actually entered the royal family by marriage because of their exalted status. I do not believe the World has seen another blade that had so much power in daily life and politics and religion as this one. It is the real “Excaliber“. As a living piece of Art I hope it is one day valued by both Martial Artists and Collectors for all its tradition.