Dagger

P1267A

From: Borneo | Brunei

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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Native Name Kris
Object Number P1267A
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Malay
Provenience Borneo | Brunei
Manufacture Location Sulawesi (uncertain)
Section Oceanian
Materials Metal | Wood
Description

Dagger with thick wavy blade (5 curves) and watery patterning (pamor). Dark brown wood handle is Bugis style (Sulawesi or Malay Peninsula) as is the metal cup (selut) between the blade and handle. 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”

Length 33.5 cm
Credit Line Gift of Dr. William H. Furness 3rd., 1898

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