| Accession Nr.: | 541.1-2 |
|---|---|
| Type: | weapons and armament; metalwork; carving; ivory carving |
| Date of production: |
17 − 18th (?) century
|
| Place of production: | |
| Acquisition: | collection of Ferenc Hopp |
A wavy-edged dagger, kris (Indonesian: keris). Its richly carved, distinctive Madurese hilt represents the Tree of Life/Holy Mountain (Indonesian: gunungan). The wooden handle guard is the only surviving part of the ancient scabbard. Collected by Ferenc Hopp.
For the Indonesians, the kris is much more than a simple weapon, it is a spectacular and effective expression of Javanese spirituality, a bearer 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 bearer of spiritual power, a symbol of heroism and a status symbol.