Accession Nr.: 74.7.1-2
Type: religious or cult object; weapons and armament; metalwork; carving
Date of production:
19th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: wood, steel, hammered, carved
Dimensions: length (blade): 42,5 cm
length (scabbard): : 37,5 cm

width: 17, 5 cm
Straight-edged blade, hammered from steel. The carved handle of the kris (Indonesian: keris) in question has a characteristic Central Javanese motif. The hilt has a strap around its base, while the sheath is made of wood, just like the sword guard.
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.