Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. mid-20th century CE. A ceremonial dagger known as a kris (keris) with an older blade as well as a wooden handle and sheath. The forged-steel blade has a straight profile with sharpened edges and a pointed tip. The dark steel surface has lighter waves and veining due to nickel content and the resulting patterning is known as wootz or watered steel. The elegant sheath is formed from the same type of light-colored wood as the slightly curved handle. The sheath has a flared guard protector and highly polished surface. The kris is both a weapon and a spiritual object with the oldest known form made in the 10th century CE. These prized daggers were passed down through families, and this blade appears more weathered than the wood components, suggesting the blade was from an older kris and lovingly refitted with a handle protector sheath. Size in sheath: 12.125" L x 2.75" W (30.8 cm x 7 cm); blade: 6.75" L x 1.25" W (17.1 cm x 3.2 cm)

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#149501

Handle is loose and comes off tang. Nicks and chips to blade edge with nice signs of age and use. Wood sheath and handle are polished.