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). The blade is exquisitely crafted from hand-forged iron in various layers with a very unusual pattern. It is also decorated on both sides with a finely hand-carved and inlaid yellow metal crowned Naga (mythological serpent).
A handle, also called hulu or ukiran, is carved in the shape of Jawa Demam, a deity known as "Garuda" from the pre-Islamic period. This handle is hand-carved using honey-colored Timoho wood (Kleinhovia Hospital) and has naturally occurring contrasting grains from a tree locally known as purnama sadha.
Mounted in large Mendak, it is finely repousse and engraved with a floral pattern.
The sarungan (scabbard) with wranka, beautifully shaped like a ship, is also carved of 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: It is in very good condition, showing age and use. 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).