Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A fine collection of 3 handles from ceremonial kris (keris) swords; 2 made of wood, and one made from bovine bone, all with mythical figural forms. Presenting in a hue of caramel brown, the first depicts a bare-chested male figure seated on a decorative plinth with his legs drawn up before him and one hand holds a sword behind his back. This may be a representation of the hero demon, Bhim. The next wooden hilt is of a hybrid snake known as a naga, with a human's head. Before the coiled body is a bird with the wings outstretched. Nagas are typically shown battling Garuda, which are often depicted as eagles. Last is the bone kris handle carved into the shape a woman's body, nude from the waist up, with a ferocious demonic face, replete with fangs and bulging eyes. This hilt is quite intricate; note her hair nodules! Size of largest handle: 4.25" L x 2" W (10.8 cm x 5.1 cm); 6.5" H (16.5 cm) on included custom stand; bone handle: 4.5" L x 1" W (11.4 cm x 2.5 cm); 5.25" H (13.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#162766
Condition
Losses to high pointed areas on bone kris. Wooden naga kris is very good and intact with only minor nicks. Largest kris has surface wear and chips to high pointed areas. Mineral deposits in recessed areas.