kris

Kris is a name and a weapon with multiple uses. As a given name, Kris is commonly a unisex short form of names such as Kristopher, Krista, Kristen, Kristian, or Kristine. It is used by people of different genders and has appeared across many English-speaking countries. Notable people named Kris include Kris Kristofferson, an American singer-songwriter and actor; Kris Jenner, an American television personality; and Kris Allen, an American singer who won American Idol in 2009.

Kris also refers to the keris, a traditional dagger from the Indonesian archipelago and surrounding regions. The keris, sometimes spelled kris, is known for its distinctive blade, which can be wavy or straight and is often produced with multiple layers of iron and steel. Many keris blades display pamor, decorative inlays that create patterns. The hilt and sheath vary by culture, with motifs ranging from carved wood to metal and horn. Beyond its function as a weapon, the keris is widely regarded as a ceremonial object and a symbol of status, power, and spiritual protection in various Indonesian, Malaysian, and Javanese communities. The craft of keris making is a long-standing tradition, passed down through generations and often surrounded by ritual beliefs about the blade's power.