Antique Indonesian Malaysian Malay Sword Dagger Kris Keris

Antique Late 19th- early 20th Century Indonesian Malaysian Malay short sword - dagger Kris – Keris with a robust extremely well-made serpentine shaped Wilah (blade), with 9 -luk ('waves’) superbly hand wrought from different layers of iron with a very unusual pattern and adorned on both sides with a finely hand chiseled end inlaid in yellow metal crowned Naga (Mythological Serpent). A handle (Hulu or Ukiran) in the form of Jawa Demam, half-bird, half-human, the deity " Garuda" from pre–Islamic Period is finely hand carved of a honey-color Timoho wood (Kleinhovia Hospita) with naturally occurring contrasting grains from a tree locally known as purnama sadha, mounted in large Mendak is finely repousse and engraved with a floral pattern.

The sarungan (scabbard) with wranka beautifully shaped in the form of a ship, is also carved of the timaha wood, with naturally occurring contrasting grains.

Timoho wood was highly valued in Indonesia and was more valuable than silver or gold. It was believed to be possessed by a spirit that shows its presence through the grain patterns.

CONDITION: In very good condition. Showing the age and usage. Please notice that the pictures in the listing are part of the description of the object's condition.

Please view all the 15 photos in the listing as they are part of the item's condition description.

MEASUREMENTS

Overall length with the scabbard: 46 cm (18.11 inches).

Overall length without the scabbard: 44.5 cm (17.52 inches).