Original Dutch East Indies 18th Century Kris Dagger with Intricate Carved Bone Handle in Ornate Silver-Clad Scabbard

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.

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 is one of the most well-made Kris we have ever offered, with a very intricate hand-carved bone grip, shaped into a deity or mythical creature with arms crossed. 

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, which is then brazed or welded on.

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 Philippines.

The 9 ¾ inch blade on this example (12 7/8 inches overall) is made from high nickel content iron, often found in meteorite iron, giving a unique finish known as "pamor". The iron was crucible forged, much like wootz steel, giving it a lovely laminated appearance on the curved blade. Kris daggers with this highly "wavy" curved blade are typical for the island of Sumatra.

The blade is housed in an ornate silver alloy-clad scabbard (warangka) with a long wooden throat. The silver has many ornate designs carved into it, and it is missing a couple of small pieces in spots. The scabbard is roughly 16½” long and 8” wide at the throat. There is heavy cracking in the wooden throat as shown.

An outstanding example of the legendary Kris dagger, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 ¾”
Blade Style: Double Edged Wavy "Kris"
Overall length: 12 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 16 1/2”