Kris with Ivory Sheath
Artifact IDMO 76.347
Object Type
Kris, sheath
Date
before 1962
Gifter
Tunku Rahman
Place MadeMalaysia, Asia
Medium
Ivory, metal, steel, silver
DimensionsOverall L 11 1/2 in (29.2 cm)
Physical DescriptionShort dagger with wavy edge blade and smooth pamor. The Indonesian term for the shape of the blade is "Dapur". This Kris has a common 5 loks (waves) dampur . The "water mark" design on the blade is called pamor. Pamor is formed because the kris is not made from a homogenous 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 nickle remains unaffected.
The sheath is made of ivory and is comprised of a cross-piece and a stem, which makes it look like a capital T. At top of sheath is the symbol of Malaysia with a silver dedication plaque on reverse side. The hilt is made of carved and silver.
Additional DetailsThe sheath is made of ivory and is comprised of a cross-piece and a stem, which makes it look like a capital T. At top of sheath is the symbol of Malaysia with a silver dedication plaque on reverse side. The hilt is made of carved and silver.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift to President and Mrs. Kennedy from Tunku Rahman, 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 John 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