Keris, is also an integral part of Javanese ceremony and ritual, worn by men for important occasions and traditional rites.

The finest ancient blades, were forged from at least two kinds of iron, one of which was generally meteoric iron with a high nickel content. The handle is usually made of teak or other valuable woods. Often gems, usually diamonds, rubies, or sapphires, are inlaid near the base of the hilt. The sheathes are also a very remarkable work of art......

It is the empu who made the kerises. An empu shaped, decorated, and added the spiritual power to special kerises. Ancient empus were said to be able to shape the blades with their bare hands.... a power gained from spiritual and ascetic exercises. Certain ancient kerises, too, are said to be magical. There are kerises which, legend has it, fly to the air, make noises when disturbed, disappear into the blue, and many other mystical stories.....

Those are all the legendary of the ancient Javanese kerises. Today's kerises, however, are used only as decorations for Javanese occasions, and of course, a very fine souvenir to be taken home.....!!!