| Kalis / كاليس | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | Philippines |
| Service history | |
| In service | Tondo, Rajahnate of Cebu, Butuan, Rajahnate of Maynila, Ma-i, Sultanate of Maguindanao, Sultanate of Sulu, Bruneian Empire |
| Used by | Moro people (Sama people, Maguindanao people, Maranao people, Tausūg people), Tagalog people |
| Specifications | |
| Length | blade length: 46–66 cm (18–26 in) |
| Blade type | Double edged |
| Hilt type | Wood, ivory |
| Scabbard/sheath | Wood |
A kalis (Baybayin: or ; Jawi script: كاليس ;Abecedario: cáli, cális) is a type of Philippine sword. The kalis has a double-edged blade, which is commonly straight from the tip but wavy near the handle. Kalis exists in several variants, either with a fully straight or fully wavy blade. It is similar to the Javanese keris, but differs in that the kalis is a sword, not a dagger. It is much larger than the keris and has a straight or slightly curved hilt, making it a primarily heavy slashing weapon (in contrast to the stabbing pistol grip of the keris).
The wavy portion of the kalis is said to be meant to facilitate easier slashing in battle, since a straight edge tends to get stuck in the opponent's bones, the wavy portion allows the kalis bearer to more easily pull the weapon out of his opponent's body.[1]
The kalis is also known as sundang among the Maranao and Maguindanao people (not to be confused with the Visayan sundang).[2] It is also known as sundang, sondang or keris Sulu in Kalimantan and Sulawesi in Indonesia, where it was reintroduced from contact with Mindanao.[3]
- ^ Raiders of the Sulu Sea (Documentary). Oakfilms3, History Channel Asia. Retrieved 2009-02-08.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Pendatun, Datu Shariff, III. "Notes on Maguindanao". Grid. Vol. 3. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
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