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Jeweled Kris and Sheath
Jeweled Kris and Sheath

Jeweled Kris and Sheath

Artifact IDMO 74.334a-b
Object Type Kris, sheath
Date 20th Century
Date Presented4/25/63
Gifter
Place MadeMalaysia, Asia
Medium Steel, ivory, gilded metal, wood, glass bead
DimensionsOverall L 16 3/4 in (42.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionShort dagger encased in a wood sheath. The kris has an ivory hilt and wavy edge blade. The Indonesian term for the shape of the blade is "Dapur". This blade has 13 lok or waves which is called Sangkelat. The "water mark" design on the blade is called pamor. Pamor is formed because the kris is not made from a homogeneous piece of metal but a combination of iron, steel and iron with a high nickel content. The iron gives the kris its body, and the steel its cutting edge. It is the nickel that gives the blade its pamor. The pamor is brought out and made visible through a process of washing the finished blade in a solution of arsenic and lime juice. Base iron turns black in such a solution while the nickel remains unaffected. The hilt is made of ivory and connected to the blade by a cup called "Pendongkok" which is made of gilded silver and inlaid with glass stones. The sheath comprises a large cross-piece and a stem, which makes it look like a capital T. The cross-piece is called a sampir in Malay which is made of wood with an attractive grain. A crest of Malaya is attached to the front piece of the sampir and a presentation plaque is attached to the back piece of the sampir. The sheath is wood covered in a sheet of gilded metal with cut out floral design.
Historical NoteThe Kris was presented to President Kennedy personally by Tun Abdul Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaya on April 25, 1963 in the Oval office of the White House.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift to President and Mrs. Kennedy by Tun Abdul Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view