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Knife Called Kriss - Java Island, Indonesia - 20th Century
Knife known as a Kriss
Java Island, Indonesia
20th century
Wood, pamor, gold
Total length: 47 cm; Blade length: 36.8 cm
Handle, called ukiran, made of carved wood, representing a face.
Double-edged pamor blade is wavy, engraved with a dragon, a horse and foliage, enhanced with gold.
Metal bolster, called mendak, engraved with geometric patterns.
Wooden scabbard covered with metal engraved with bird figures and foliage motifs; dated “1975” and numbered “6” and “5”.
The kris is a weapon specifically for men. A marker of social status and wealth, it was also symbolically given to a young boy who had become a man.
The more elaborate the blade and the more precious the materials used for the handle, the higher the rank of its owner.
The ukiran, almost always carved in an anthropomorphic style, is considered an allegory of its owner. Thus, the head represents the handle, the body the blade, and the clothing the scabbard. It should be noted that the traditional garment of Balinese men is the sarong – the same name given to the kriss sheath.
The kriss, endowed with magical powers, is considered a vehicle for spirituality. It is passed down through inheritance, which increases its power.
Ref.: 6892
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Java Island, Indonesia
20th century
Wood, pamor, gold
Total length: 47 cm; Blade length: 36.8 cm
Handle, called ukiran, made of carved wood, representing a face.
Double-edged pamor blade is wavy, engraved with a dragon, a horse and foliage, enhanced with gold.
Metal bolster, called mendak, engraved with geometric patterns.
Wooden scabbard covered with metal engraved with bird figures and foliage motifs; dated “1975” and numbered “6” and “5”.
The kris is a weapon specifically for men. A marker of social status and wealth, it was also symbolically given to a young boy who had become a man.
The more elaborate the blade and the more precious the materials used for the handle, the higher the rank of its owner.
The ukiran, almost always carved in an anthropomorphic style, is considered an allegory of its owner. Thus, the head represents the handle, the body the blade, and the clothing the scabbard. It should be noted that the traditional garment of Balinese men is the sarong – the same name given to the kriss sheath.
The kriss, endowed with magical powers, is considered a vehicle for spirituality. It is passed down through inheritance, which increases its power.
Ref.: 6892
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
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