Kris hilt
| Accession Nr.: | 79.39.1 |
|---|---|
| Type: | weapons and armament; metalwork; carving |
| Date of production: |
19th − early 20th century
|
| Place of production: |
Wood carved figural hilt decorated with gold plates and coloured semi-precious stone (?) inlay. The figure, with bulging eyes, open mouth and upraised right leg, presumably represents a demon. A striking feature is the genital organ, also covered with gold leaf, and the gold triangular decorated seat, the so-called tumpal throne.
For the Indonesians the kris is much more than a simple weapon, it is a spectacular and effective expression of Javanese spirituality, a vehicle of spiritual power, a symbol of heroism and a status symbol.
For the Indonesians the kris is much more than a simple weapon, it is a spectacular and effective expression of Javanese spirituality, a vehicle of spiritual power, a symbol of heroism and a status symbol.
