Indonesia, from South Sulawesi, blade is mid-19th century CE, scabbard and handle are late 19th to early 20th century CE. This is a keris (kris), with a narrow, sinuously curving blade and an intricately carved handle and scabbard ("wrongko"). The hilt is wood covered with Sumatara chased silver gilding, as is the guard. The scabbard has Gandar silver chased floral designs, gold gilding, and inset white sapphires. The double-sided blade itself on this keris is incredible, with delicate gold overlay at the top of the blade and swirling patterns almost like wood patterns on the dark metal of the rest. The keris is both a weapon and a spiritual object. The oldest known are from the 10th century CE; they are thought to have originated on the island of Java. The bladesmith, called an empu, formed the blade from layers of different iron ores and meteorite nickel. In high quality ones, the metal is made using the Damascus steel process, folded dozens or even hundreds of times. Keris were worn every day and in special ceremonies; both men and women wear them. They were passed down through families. They were used for display, as talismans with magical powers, and weapons, and as heirlooms, as accessories for ceremonial dress, and indicators of social status. Keris blades are narrow, with wide, symmetrical bases. The aesthetic value has three elements: dhapur, the shape and design of the blade, with 40 variants; pamor, the pattern of metal alloy decoration on the blade, with 120 variants; and tangguh, the age and origin of keris. For this keris, the pamor is Tiban Kulit Semangka Watermelon Skin. In 2005, the keris became a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This piece comes with a purple velvet protector. Size: 18"L x 6-1/4"W (45.7 cm x 15.9 cm).

Provenance: Ex-P. Haig Collection, Rochester, MN.

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#110900

Beautiful, intact condition.