Kriss

Kriss, commonly spelled keris, denotes a traditional dagger found across Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and nearby regions. The blade is typically single-edged and often wavy, though straight varieties exist. A keris blade may be enhanced with pamor, a pattern produced by forging different steels. The hilt and sheath are frequently elaborately carved from wood, ivory, or metal, reflecting regional styles and status.

Historically, the keris serves both as a weapon and a ceremonial object. It is associated with personal protection, spiritual significance, and social status, and it features prominently in folklore and ritual performances. Many keris are regarded as heirlooms passed down through families, sometimes believed to possess protective or magical properties. The keris is widely recognized as part of the cultural heritage of the region, and in 2008 UNESCO inscribed it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Kriss may also refer to other uses. As a given name or surname, the spelling Kriss is used by various individuals, including Kriss Akabusi, a British track and field athlete. The acronym and brand KRISS is associated with KRISS USA, a firearms manufacturer known for the KRISS Vector line of submachine guns.