Original Item: One Only. The kris or keris is a prized asymmetrical dagger most strongly associated with the culture of Indonesia, but also indigenous to Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore. It is known as kalis in the southern Philippines. The kris is famous for its distinctive wavy blade, however this example has a straight blade, an older style from the early part of the 19th century. This design is also specific to the Island of Madura in the Philippines.

A kris can be divided into three parts: bilah (blade), hulu (hilt), and warangka (sheath). These parts of the kris are objects of art, often carved in meticulous detail and made from various materials: metal, precious or rare types of wood, or gold or ivory. A kris's aesthetic value covers the dhapur (the form and design of the blade, with around 150 variants), the pamor (the pattern of metal alloy decoration on the blade, with around 60 variants), and tangguh referring to the age and origin of a kris.

Both a weapon and spiritual object, kris are often considered to have an essence or presence, considered to possess magical powers, with some blades possessing good luck and others possessing bad. Kris are used for display, as talismans with magical powers, weapons, a sanctified heirloom (pusaka), auxiliary equipment for court soldiers, an accessory for ceremonial dress, an indicator of social status, a symbol of heroism, etc. Legendary kris that possess supernatural power and extraordinary ability were mentioned in traditional folktales, such as those of Mpu Gandring, Taming Sari, and Setan Kober.

This example is not a modern tourist item, it is the real thing dating from the early 19th century.

The key to identify the older blades is to be able to find the join at the hilt end of the blade as the horn was always added as a separate piece. Later examples and modern tourist pieces were always had blades made from just one sheet of steel. This example definitely has the separate hilt end of the blade, though it is loose on the blade.

Each section of the Dutch East Indies produced the traditional Kris Daggers but each district, Java, Borneo, and others had their own characteristics. This area is today covered by what we know as Indonesia, Malaya and the Phillippines.

The 13.5 inch blade made from high nickel content iron often found in meteorite iron giving a unique finish known as "Timor" or "Pamor". The color variation shown on this example is very difficult to see as the “layers” of the steel used is now oxidized with a heavily pitted appearance.

The blade has a small ornate ferrule at the top of an ornately carved wood handle which appears to be accacia, which is exceedingly ornate, showing all types of floral designs as well.

This kris also comes complete with its original exotic wood scabbard (warangka), which is made of a lovely wood, and the lower part (galar) does not have a “cover” or rigid metal border, as often encountered. The larger top wood portion of the scabbard is in great shape, and is one continuous piece with the rest of the scabbard. It fits the blade exactly. Unfortunately the scabbard is cracked in multiple places and repair attempts can be seen.

A very nice example of a the legendary Kris dagger with a fantastic blade and carved hippo tusk handle, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 13 1/2"
Blade Style: Double Edged Wavy "Kris"
Overall length: 19“
Scabbard Length: 16 1/2"