The sheath of a keris varies from region to region. However, there is a common design among the different styles. It comprises of a large cross-piece and a stem, which makes it look like a capital T. The cross-piece is designed to take the flaring base of the keris. Sheaths are made of wood and usually wood with attractive grains are chosen. Some sheaths may be covered with metal sleeves made from brass, white metal, silver or gold. The sleeves may cover the whole of the stem or it may have a section of it cut-out to display the wood.
