Dagger

Dagger with wavy blade (9 curves), asymmetrically widening at base. Very pronounced linear watery patterning (pamor), following the curves of the blade. Bent, faceted wood hilt (“young shoot in tree trunk”) with two carvings on the inner side, possibly the stylized representations of masks or monster (kala) faces. Small projection at top of upper carving. Metal cup and/or ring between blade and handle missing. 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.