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kris
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Gold kris, embossed scabbard and grip, from southern Celebes, Indonesia; in the Royal Tropical Institute Museum, Amsterdam. Overall length 40.5 cm.
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kris

dagger
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Gold kris, embossed scabbard and grip, from southern Celebes, Indonesia; in the Royal Tropical Institute Museum, Amsterdam. Overall length 40.5 cm.
Gold kris, embossed scabbard and grip, from southern Celebes, Indonesia; in the Royal Tropical Institute Museum, Amsterdam. Overall length 40.5 cm.

The kris is a type of dagger originating from Malay and Indonesian cultures. It is characterized by its distinctive ridged, serpentine blade. Daggers, in general, are short stabbing knives, and the kris is a specific example of this category. While the distinction between a dagger and a short sword could be blurred in ancient and medieval times, the kris is recognized for its unique wavy blade. The term "kris" has been in use since around 1580. The kris is also associated with a Balinese trance dance where the performer uses the dagger on themselves.123

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