JAKARTA, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Within the walls of the Yogyakarta Palace in Indonesia, guards adorned in traditional attire bear distinctive daggers at their waists. These are Kris swords, honored by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Kris has a long history, and its name is derived from the ancient Javanese word for "to pierce" or "to cleave." Its blade, often characterized by a unique wavy pattern, was designed not only to enhance its lethality as a weapon but also to embody profound artistic and martial wisdom. The number and shape of these curves carry diverse symbolic meanings, and some blades are inlaid with intricate gold and silver filigree.
The creation of a single Kris is a year-long endeavor. Artisans meticulously undertake a process involving material selection, layer forging, acid treatment, quenching, polishing, and decoration. The hilt and sheath, often crafted from wood, ivory, or metal, are adorned with carvings, inlays, and gilding, featuring motifs of deities or animals, forming a harmonious whole with the blade itself.
More than a weapon, the Kris is a spiritual and civilizational icon, silently witnessing the inheritance and blossoming of Indonesian culture throughout millennia.
Photographer: Cen Yunpeng, Bram Selo
Text: Yu Yang
