Traditional Weapons

The Kris is rather long kind of dagger with an either straight or wavy blade ornamented with pattern in a different metal or alloy Often attributed supernatural powers, the kris are used more as a ceremonial object rather than a weapon. The best krisses are handed down from generations to generation among the males of families as revered heir looms, and are never offer for sale.

Other traditional weapons with more or less the same traditional significance as that attributed to the kris are the "rencong" of Aceh, the "mandau" of Kalimantan, and the "badik" of Sulawesi Selatan. In the old days, special smiths called "empu", who were held in high esteem, forged krisses.