Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Bali, ca. 19th century CE. A striking wooden kris hilt, hand-carved to resemble the figure of the mythical Balinese figure Rangda, the terrifying demon queen of the Leyaks believed to champion an army of evil witches against the Barong forces of good, adorned in silver plating. Seated, the fierce female presents an evocative visage of an open mouth displaying huge, curved fangs, a snout-like nose, deep-set eyes, and a rippling forehead. She holds one hand behind her head grasping a cloth that partially covers her long, unruly tresses as pendulous breasts swing from her chest and layered armor covers her body. Translating to an old Javanese term for ?widow,? Rangda is feared for her devouring of children and is typically depicted during the traditional Barong dance representing the eternal battle between good and evil. Size: 2" W x 5.3" H (5.1 cm x 13.5 cm); 7.75" H (19.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-private collection of Ami Brown, Israel

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#184703

Stable fissures with some minor splitting to wood; none greatly affecting form, detail, or stability. Light bending to a few small areas of silver, but otherwise intact and excellent with great preservation of detail and nice patina. Removable from custom stand.