Keris Dagger Burl Wood Hilt, Indonesia, 19th Century

A Keris burlwood hilt from South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Late 19th Century, possibly earlier.

The Keris (or Kris) is a Javanese asymmetrical dagger, famous for its distinctive wavy blade.

It’s been produced in Indonesia for centuries, and it has become a national symbol for many regions in Southeast Asia.

A Keris can be divided into three parts: The blade (bilah or wilah), the hilt (hulu), and the sheath (warangka).

Each of those parts is considered a piece of art in and of itself, often carved in meticulous detail, and/or made from precious metals or rare types of wood.

This Keris hilt is traditionally carved in the distinct Gecong style. The term Gecong (associated with the dagger traditions of the Bugis people from South Sulawesi, Indonesia), features a pistol-grip and a subtly curved, Garuda Bird inspired carving.

Carved from a single piece of very rare Kemuning burlwood, with a rich dark red finish. Mounted on a bespoke metal stand.