Kalis or Keris

kalis
Kalis or Keris | @nayongpilipino.museo

The kalis or keris is primarily considered a sword coming from Java, Indonesia, but it has many iterations in the Philippines, particularly in Southern Mindanao. Its distinctive wavy blade mimics the naga’s body and movements: waves indicate direction while a straight blade is at rest. The guard is made of metal resembling the serpent’s mouth while the hilt is made of hardwood wrapped in textile.

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