Keris: Power And Identity

This catalogue highlights almost 100 keris from the collection of His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, the Sultan of Selangor, and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. It is fully descriptive and illustrative, taking readers on a journey through the history of the keris to appreciate its craftsmanship, including elaborate decorations with gold, silver, and gemstones, as well as aspects of metallurgy. The book discusses how the keris became a cultural symbol in the Malay World and showcases the distinct shapes, styles, and decorative elements, including regional variations and affiliations with royalty. It also illustrates Islamic elements such as inscriptions, calligraphic motifs, and the adaptation of symbolism from the pre-Islamic era to the Islamic era found on the dagger.