Kris Or Kriss Knife Of The “king Fischer” Type - Malaysia / Thailand - 19th Century

Kris or Kriss ‘King Fischer’ type KNIFE
Province of Pattani, Northern Malaysia, Southern Thailand
19th century 
Wood and pamor 
Total length: 45 cm 
Knife length: 34.5 cm; Blade length: 26 cm
(reused scabbard)

The handle, known as the ukiran, is made of dark wood and carved with a character from Wayang theatre, known as the ‘kingfisher’ or ‘King Fischer’. It owes its name to its particularly prominent nose - similar to a bird's beak. 
The blade is made of pamor with gutters. 
The scabbard, probably reused, has two scrolled side lugs. The body of the scabbard, known as the gandar, is made of veined wood. 

The kris is a masculine weapon. A marker of social status and wealth, it was also the symbolic object given to a young boy who had become a man. The more elaborate the blade and the more noble the handle, the higher the rank of the owner. The ukiran, which is almost always carved in an anthropomorphic style, is seen as an allegory of its owner. Thus, the head would be the handle, the body the blade and the garment the scabbard. It should be noted that the traditional garment of Balinese men is the sarong - the same name given to the kriss scabbard.
The kriss has magical powers and is considered a vehicle of spirituality. It is passed on by inheritance, which increases its power.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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