Dagger
| Native Name | Kris |
|---|---|
| Object Number: | 42-30-444A |
| Current Location: | Collections Storage |
| Culture: | Javanese |
| Provenience: | Java |
| Section: | Oceanian |
| Materials: | Metal Ivory |
| Length: | 43.5 cm |
| Credit Line: | Gift of Mrs. Morgan Wing on behalf of the Estate of Florence C. Whitney, 1942 |
| Other Number: | 30 N S 19325 - Dealer's Number 332 - Collector Number |
Description
Dagger with wavy blade (7 curves) widening asymmetrically at base. Bold watery patterning (pamor) of wavy transverse bands. Ivory handle, deeply carved with scrolls and tendrils, may represent a stylized demon (raksasa). Brass(?) cup and ring between the blade and handle plain, with bands of beading. 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.
Bibliography:
| [Book] Groneman, Isaac. 2009. The Javanese Kris.. C. Zwartenkot Art Books - Leiden and KITLV Press. Type Citation : Page/Fig./Plate: p. 192, Inv. Nr.162 | View Objects related to this Type Citation |
| [Book] Frey, Edward. 1988. The Kris: Mystic Weapon of the Malay World.. Oxford University Press. Type Citation : Page/Fig./Plate: p. 48, Fig. 19 (i) | View Objects related to this Type Citation |
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