An Indonesian dagger from Sumatra, known as a ‘kris’. With an old, straight, double-edged blade made of iron using the pamor technique (forged from many layers). Topped by a hilt ring (‘mendak’) made of copper, affixed with iron wire.
The ivory hilt is a special feature of this kris dagger: it depicts a figure called ‘Jawa Demam’, which shows a mythological being who was half human and half bird. The ivory of the hilt is honey-coloured and is darkened in patches, which implies that it is very old. The sheath displays a ‘boat’ (‘wranka’) made of reddish brown precious wood, in the typical form of the Minangkabau. In addition, the entire length of the wooden sheath is coated in thick sheet metal made of very high-quality silver, in which attractive decoration comprising floral and leafy tendrils is embossed and engraved. A small piece of the silver coating is missing from the sheath. Otherwise only minor, age-related damage.
Length: 41 cm. 19th century or earlier (e.g. the hilt) (ME) ASA

Provenance: Austrian private collection.

Lit.: ‘Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago’ von Albert G. van Zonnefeld, S. 64, Abb. 200, 201, 202; S. 66, Abb. 227 (der Griff).