Kriss Knife - Java Island, Indonesia - 19th Century

Kriss knife  
Island of Java, Indonesia
19th century
Wood, pamor, nickel silver, copper, brass
Total length: 42.5 cm; blade length: 33.5 cm

Handle (ukiran), in slightly bent wood, finely carved with openwork floral motifs, representing a divinity.
Ring (mendak) in iron, copper and brass.
Double-edged pamor blade.
The upper part of the scabbard (wrangka) is made of light wood.
Section forming the body of the scabbard (gandar), covered in nickel silver and engraved with plant, animal and geometric motifs along its entire length. 

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 through inheritance, increasing its power.

Ref : 5356

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON