The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 20, 2025

Sword (Kris)

before 1916

Philippines

Blade: metal; handle: metal with silver wire; pommel: silver
66.4 x 12.6 cm (26 1/8 x 4 15/16 in.)
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.750
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

The undulating blade is thought to embody spiritual potency and the dynamic flow of energy.

Description

The kalis is one of the most recognizable bladed weapons of Muslim Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and was both a weapon and a symbol of rank and honor. This long, double-edged steel blade features continuous undulations from base to tip. Among the Maranao and Maguindanao people, sword-making was a specialized craft requiring collaboration among blacksmiths (panday), carvers, and metalsmiths.
  • ?–1916
    Mr. Jeptha Homer Wade II [1857–1926], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1916–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Sword (Kris)|url=false|author=|year=before 1916|access-date=20 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.750