Kris Dagger

The kris dagger, also known as keris, is a type of asymmetrical dagger from the Indonesian archipelago. Serving both as a weapon and a spiritual object, the kris dagger is believed to possess magical powers.

The history of the kris dagger is traced through the study of carvings and relief stone tablets found in Java, Indonesia. Some of the most famous depictions of the kris dagger appear on relief stone tablets of the Borobudur (825) and Prambanan (850) temples, originating from the Mataram Kingdom of Hindu-Buddhist tradition in Central Java.

The kris dagger is famous for its distinctive wavy blade, although many daggers also have straight blades. Kris daggers have been produced in various regions of Indonesia for centuries, but nowhere is the kris dagger embedded in a cohesive network of regulations, rituals, mythological foundations, and epic poetry like in Central Java.

In Indonesia, the kris dagger is often associated with Javanese culture, although other ethnic groups and neighboring regions are also familiar with this weapon as part of their culture, such as the Balinese, Sundanese, Malay, Madurese, Banjar, Buginese, and Makassar people. The kris dagger is considered a cultural symbol of Indonesia as well as neighboring countries like Brunei and Malaysia.

The kris dagger typically has a narrow blade with a wide, asymmetrical base. The sheath is usually made of wood, although some are made from ivory or even gold. The aesthetic value of the kris dagger includes dhapur (the shape and design of the blade, with about 40 variations), pamor (the decorative pattern of metal alloys on the blade, with about 120 variations), and tangguh referring to the age and origin of a kris dagger.

A blacksmith, or mpu, creates the blade in layers from various types of iron and nickel ores. A high-quality kris dagger will have folded metals and be treated with absolute precision. Mpus are respected artisans with additional knowledge of literature, history, and mysticism.

The kris dagger is used both in daily life and in special ceremonies, and heirloom blades are passed down through generations. Both men and women carry them. A rich spiritual and mythological value has developed around this dagger.

Aeng Tong-Tong Village

Aeng Tong-Tong is a village in the Saronggi district, about 30 kilometers northwest of Sumenep city. The village bustles with skilled kris blacksmiths busy crafting traditional daggers. Sanamo, 48 years old, an mpu, or kris blacksmith, specializing in heirloom blade-making in the village, explains that the kris crafting center of Aeng Tong-Tong originated from a local prince named Bukabu serving as a guru (Sanskrit: a title higher than “teacher”, a guru helps others discover spiritual meanings they have “realized”) to the kings of Sumenep.

Initially, local blacksmiths only produced kris daggers for their own families and the royal family. As time passed, more people ordered kris blades for personal collections, which encouraged more villagers to learn the craft of making kris daggers.

The name Aeng Tong-Tong is divided into aeng and tong-tong, meaning ‘water’ and ‘container’ in Madurese. The village’s name describes the difficulty of finding water in this arid area, forcing residents to always carry a ‘container’ to collect water from suburban areas. Due to challenging agricultural conditions, kris crafting has become the main source of income for most residents.

Nearly 90 percent of the village’s 400 residents are kris blacksmiths. Based on available data, Sumenep lists over 640 kris blacksmiths, making it the largest gathering place of kris blacksmiths in Indonesia. According to Sanamo’s estimation, the village can produce hundreds of kris daggers per day.

Kris blades from the village are also marketed and sold online. Sanamo mentions placing products on various social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Thus, this traditional weapon is now sold to customers in other countries.

If you’re looking for a unique travel experience and want to learn more about Indonesia’s traditional craftsmanship, visit Aeng Tong-Tong Village. You’ll witness the process of kris crafting by skilled blacksmiths and can purchase a unique souvenir to take home.