Kris with a sheath. Southeast Asia, 19th century

Kris with sheath. Southeast Asia, 19th century.
Iron, wood, and brass.
It shows signs of wear and alterations consistent with its use and age; the blade has surface rust.
Measurements: 48.5 cm in length.

The kris or keris is one of the most characteristic types of bladed weapons in Southeast Asia, particularly associated with Indonesia. It is recognized by its asymmetrical blade, which is wider at the base and often has a wavy profile, as seen in this example.

The piece features a curved wooden hilt and retains its sheath, also made of wood, partially covered in brass. The combination of these materials and its proportions finds parallels in Javanese examples from the 16th–19th centuries held in the Metropolitan Museum. Beyond its function as a weapon, the kris acquired significant ceremonial and symbolic value within Indonesian cultures.