Great! First off vis kris (I do not recognize any difference between the words keris and kris nor the swords, except as an internal variation of great complexity of which region is only one factor) waviness is a minor issue, relatively uncommon, and certainly not definitive. A kris is usually defined by its flared guard (gonjo ganga etc.) being a seperate piece from the blade, and with the purpose of containing the majic (of which cutting is only one aspect) in the blade for both safety reasons and to keep it enslaved/domesticated/whatever you want to call it; under control and use.
Technically kris-like swords without a seperate ganga are "iras ganga" "without ganga" and are not kris per se.
Kris per se is a very holy and magical weapon. It can only be used or carried by certain persons for certain purposes, etc. Kris-like weapons (tempius, matulis, parang this-n-that, gunong, etc.) exist throughout its range, which can be used by anyone for any purpose but handle like a kris, with its cut-n-thrust capability and its lovely forward curve.
Kris sundang ("Moro" kris) is not so different, though it is one of the largest types; there as sooooooo many types of kris.
Last edited by tom hyle; 26th June 2010 at 05:04 AM.
|