Dagger

42-30-375

From: Java | Majapahit

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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Native Name Kris
Object Number 42-30-375
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Javanese
Provenience Java | Majapahit
Section Oceanian
Materials Metal
Description

Small dagger with blade and handle forged from the same piece of iron, blade widening asymmetrically at base. The blade is narrow and straight, with watery patterning (pamor), particularly pronounced at the top. The handle is a seated human figure, bending sideways and forward. Majahapit style, possibly from the era of the Javanese Majahapit kingdom (1293 to circa 1500). An example of the oldest type of a class of daggers called kris, defined by the widening at one side of the blade base. Kris are not only weapons but also works of art and objects of mythical, ritual, and ceremonial significance: in 2005, UNESCO gave the title “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” to the kris of Indonesia.

Length 25.2 cm
Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Morgan Wing on behalf of the Estate of Florence C. Whitney, 1942
Other Number 300A - Collector Number | CG910604-8274 - Found in Collection Number

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