Kris: For many centuries, different types of knives and swords were used to help clear land, hunt animals for food, and as weapons for protection and war.  The most widely used knife in  South East Asia was called a "kris."  It is believed to have originated in the 14th century in  Java, Indonesia from where the design diffused to Singapore, Burma, Malaysia, Borneo and the   Philippines.  Some kris blades are straight while others are wavy.  They also vary in length and weight.  The wavy blade kris in this picture is from the Philippine Islands and is about 22 inches in length.