Sheath for a Kris
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Wood, cane (rattan)
Dimensions
L. 25 1/8 in. (63.8 cm); W. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); Wt. 8.8 oz. (249.5 g)
Classification
Krisses
Culture
Philippine
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.1638
Art Historical Context
This elegant sheath for a kris, crafted in the Philippines during the 18th–19th, exemplifies the fusion of functionality and artistry in Southeast Asian. The kris, a wavy-bladed dagger revered by warriors and chieftains, held deep cultural significance among Filipino communities, particularly the Moro people of Mindanao. Often more than a weapon, it symbolized status, spiritual power, and ancestral lineage, with sheaths like this one protecting the blade while serving as portable sculptures. Made from wood and wrapped with cane (rattan), the sheath measures 25 1/8 inches long and weighs just ...