Dagger

Dagger with a straight blade with a median ridge, pronounced watery patterning (pamor). The tapering ivory handle, very slightly bent, has a plain base then is deeply carved in the shape of curling leaves. The ring and cup between the blade and handle are decorated with corded rings top and bottom, with a central band of beaded semi-circular swags. One 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.