MALAY KERIS (SWORD)

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The keris, an asymmetrical dagger with distinctive wavy or straight blades, is most associated with Indonesian culture but also indigenous to Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, and the southern Philippines (known as kalis). The island of Bali comes close to Central Java in deeply embedding the keris into rituals, ceremonies, myths, and epic poetry. Composed of a blade, hilt, and sheath, all adorned intricately with various materials, the keris's value stems from its form, design, pattern, and age or origin. As both weapon and spiritual object, it's believed to possess magical powers, used for display, talismans, weapons, heirlooms, ceremonial dress accessories, status symbols, and a representation of heroism. Legendary keris with supernatural abilities are featured in folktales like Mpu Gandring, Taming Sari, and Setan Kober.