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Dagger

Native NameKris
Object Number:42-30-450A
Current Location: Collections Storage
Culture:Madurese
Provenience: Madura
Section:Oceanian
Materials:Metal
Wood
Stone
Length: 46.2 cm
Width: 9 cm
Credit Line:Gift of Mrs. Morgan Wing on behalf of the Estate of Florence C. Whitney, 1942
Other Number:517 - Other Number

Description

Thick, heavy, wavy blade (13 curves), widening asymmetrically at base. Strong median ridge surrounded by two deep grooves that run 3/4 of length. No watery markings (pamor). Hilt polished dark brown wood carved as a seated demon (raksasa) with long hair falling down back, arms crossed over chest, and one foot on crouching animal. Gilt filigree cup (mendak), rim set with green, red, and colorless stones. An example 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.

Current & Past Exhibitions:

Weapons and Defense (27 Oct 1951 - 06 Jan 1952) View Objects in Exhibition

Bibliography:

[Book] Frey, Edward. 1988. The Kris: Mystic Weapon of the Malay World.. Oxford University Press. Type Citation : Page/Fig./Plate: p. 48, Fig. 10 (h)View Objects related to this Type Citation

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