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INDO-PERSIAN 18th - 19th Century Wootz Damascus Silver Inlay Kris or Keris Ram or Sheep Head Dagger w/ Extreme Engraving. The kris, also known as keris, is a distinctive, asymmetrical dagger from the Indonesian island of Java. It is both a weapon and a spiritual object, considered to possess magical powers. The kris is famous for its distinctive wavy blade, although many have straight blades as well. It is commonly associated with Javanese culture, but other ethnicities in the region also recognize it as part of their heritage. The blade is typically narrow with a wide, asymmetrical base, and the sheath can be made from various materials, including wood, ivory, and even gold. A rich spirituality and mythology have developed around this unique dagger, which has been used for display, as talismans, weapons, and sanctified heirlooms. The artistry that went in to the engraving and silver smithing is beyond anything we see in modern day knives. Where and when this knife was made it was the culmination of generations of blacksmithing and metallurgy knowledge that was passed down through generations. The intricate silver inlay covers the entire handle and the entire sheath. The knife was masterfully crafted in alignment with its sheath and any minor gaps in the workmanship were filled with silver. The steel is bar none the best wootz Damascus steel used in its time and continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts to this day. This knife was inspected by a local professional knife maker who was awe struck just to get to hold one only ever having seen one of this caliber in a book. His comments were - "To have a knife like this made the way it was made today would cost thousands." "The engraving is so detailed it is beyond my comprehension how they made it" along with comments about balance, Sheath to Knife alignment, and fine detail after fine detail comments that we presume is common knife maker lingo. Handle shows wear and polish from use and the leather is still nicely intact within the sheath. The blade edges on this form of knife were kept dull for penetrating opponents armor. This knife w/ sheath measures 12 1/2" Long. Knife with handle is 11 3/8" long and the blade from the handle to the tip is 7". Knives like this one are very similar to the Jambiya that were made and used by the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. Made by the same peoples as the Jambiya daggers of the region. From the life time collection of Chuck and Eileen Hoffman. Chuck and Eileen spent their lives traveling the world as teachers to many different countries collecting art and antiquities during their stays at the various locations they worked. They thoroughly emersed themselves in the cultures they spent time with bringing home with them interesting momento's to remind them of their journey's and experiences. Condition on this knife is excellent for its age. It has usewear to the handle and sheath as shown in photos with patination from time. At one time the eyes of the ram likely housed gems of some kind. Other knife types similar to this made by other cultures are - Gunong, Gulock, Kalis, Sundang and Crysknife from the fictional world of Dune. Ancient Authentic
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