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Minangkabau West Sumatra
18th Cent. A.D.
Kris Ivory, Gold, Diamond, Iron
Length: 56 cm Width: 15.5 cm Depth: 4.5 cm
Blade: 35.5 cm
with Handle: 44.5 cm
This large and magnificent kris once belonged to a datu, a chieftain of the Minangkabau ethnic group of the province of West Sumatra, which has been famed since antiquity for its rich gold mines. The handle of the kris is carved in elephant ivory in the form of a stylized human being derived from the raksasa guardian figures dating from Indonesia’s Hindu-Buddhist period. Scholars speculate that the bird-like abstraction was developed to disguise the human form which was forbidden by Islam. The handle is held in a gold cup decorated with repoussé patterns imitating foliage.
The large sarong or sheath of the kris, including the wrangka cross piece at the top end, is entirely clad with finely decorated with gold filigree which demonstrates the virtuoso abilities of Minangkabau gold smiths who were already praised by western visitors in the 18th century. Creatively the design of the bottom half of the kris sheath consists of simple bands which contrast with the swirls motifs of the top. The foot of the sarong is flared with large round balls often believed to be based on coconuts. A wonderful wreath like decoration with a stepped stupa-like center incrusted with diamond slivers and a dangling leaf on a chain is attached to the sheath where the wrangka and long stem meet. This not only served a decorative function but was also used to bind the kris to the datu.
Like many Sumatran krisses, the iron blade is probably of great antiquity but does not show any of the elaborate damascene patterns of Javanese and Balinese krisses. Its top end, however, is clad in gold. It has 7 luk or curves. |
