Dagger Handle

Object Details

• Label

  A kris is a ceremonial dagger with great spiritual and artistic significance in Indonesian courtly culture. In short, it is an emblem of power. Shaped like an animal, a deity, or a geometric form, the kris handle (ukiran) can constitute an artwork on its own.

  Five kris handles were among the first Southeast Asian objects that Charles Lang Freer collected during his travels in Java. He may have been attracted to their unique forms and evocative shapes, in addition to their cultural importance.

  This handle bears the face of a demon, who protects the user from harm.

• Provenance

  To 1906

  Unidentified owner, Java, to 1906 [1]

  From 1906 to 1919

  Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased in Java from an unidentified owner in 1906 [2]

  From 1920

  Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]

  Notes:

  [1] See Reserved Wood List, R. 5363, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives. According to Curatorial Remark 1 in the object record, this object was purchased in Java as a lot of five [F1906.291-.295].

  [2] See note 1.

  [3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Previous custodian or owner

  Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)

• Origin

  Java, Indonesia

• Credit Line

  Gift of Charles Lang Freer

• Type

  Weapon and Armament

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Name

  Freer, Charles Lang

• Place

  Java, Indonesia

• Topic

  Charles Lang Freer collection, Art, Southeast Asian Art, Bone

• Culture

  Southeast Asians

• Object Type

  Weapons, Armor (protective wear)