In this book, the author has sought to bring to the fore interesting cultural and historical facts surrounding the kris, backed up by extensive photographs from collections all over the Malay Archipelago, and has called for a more detailed study of this traditional weapon. Whereas it was once worn for protection or as a deterrent to hostility, it is now used in a more symbolic or ritualistic manner affording the wearer proper status as a Malay, or among the Javanese particularly, a symbol of the bearers manhood. Thus among all weapons, the kris is perhaps unique in that its principal function has long been that of cultural association, rather than that as a weapon or extension of the hand for engaging in combat.
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