Dagger

Dagger with wavy blade (9 curves), asymmetrically widening at base. Pronounced watery patterning (pamor), following curves of blade. Hilt of light brown wood with dark splotches and streaks (kaju pelet). Bent, with bulbous end: appears to be abstract seated figure. Cup (mendak) between handle and blade has rows of beading, large and small, at bottom and top. One of a class of daggers called kris, defined by the widening at one side of the blade base. Kris are not only weapons but also works of art and objects of mythical, ritual, and ceremonial significance: in 2005, UNESCO gave the title “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” to the kris of Indonesia.