Dagger

42-30-455A

From: Sumatra

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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Native Name Kris
Object Number 42-30-455A
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Sumatran
Provenience Sumatra
Section Oceanian
Materials Metal | Wood
Description

Dagger with long, thin, almost imperceptably wavy blade (7 curves), broadening asymmetrically at base. Watery markings (pamor). Light colored wood hilt carved as demon (raksasa), slightly bent forward, with long wavy hair flowing down back. Rest of head and body covered with decorative surface carving. Ring between blade and hilt (mendak) has bands of beading, interrupted in places. 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

Length 41.3 cm
Width 7 cm
Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Morgan Wing on behalf of the Estate of Florence C. Whitney, 1942
Other Number 540 - Collector Number

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