Dagger
Java, Indonesia
1880-1900
Measurements
17-3/8 in x 2-3/4 in x 1-1/2 in
Materials
Iron and a nickel-iron alloy, brass scabbard, wood hilt
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.
Accession Number
2017.19
Inscription
The label says, “Kreis or shortsword is an old / Java specimen from the [illegible] / section of that Island. Note the ex- / cellent handle carving, [illegible] / [illegible] stones. The scabbard / hilt is a form of decoration / used in the native temples. The / finish of blade edge is peculiar. / Collected of G. J. Re[illegible] about 1899.”
Provenance
Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner
Comments
This asymmetrical dagger with a distinctive wavy blade is from Java, where it is known as a “kris” or “keris.” Its origins extend back to the 10th century, but its later history involves spiritual meanings associated with it.
The wavy blade, built of alternating laminations of iron and a nickel and iron alloy, has a sharp, serrated edge along both sides. The intricately carved hilt is made of a very fine grained wood. The scabbard appears to be made of thin sheet brass with decoration pressed into the metal. Despite the intricacy of the work on this dagger, it appears not to of particularly high quality, raising the question of whether this particular example was made for Western consumption.
A label written by Mrs. Warner accompanies the dagger.
