Putting together a museum exhibit linking Java keris to Philippine kris

[David]

Originally Posted by tom hyle

Technically kris-like swords without a seperate ganga are "iras ganga" "without ganga" and are not kris per se.

What gave you that idea Tom?

Originally Posted by tom hyle

Kris per se is a very holy and magical weapon. It can only be used or carried by certain persons for certain purposes, etc.

The keris has been a part of the dress of Indonesian people for centuries, both the royal and elite as well as the common man. It was worn daily and a man wouldn't dream of being without it. An adult male not having at least one keris and probably several (handed down from relatives) would be a big exception in the culture.