Antique Kris, Javanese dagger with carved wood handle and hilt. Blade is etched and sheath looks brass and is also etched. Blade does have some wear and the hilt has a small chip. Blade measures 13-3/4\" long and overall length is 19\". !

From the internet:

Kris have been produced in many regions of theIndonesian archipelagofor centuries, but nowhere — although the island ofBalicomes close — is the kris so embedded in a mutually-connected whole of ritual prescriptions and acts, ceremonies, mythical backgrounds and epic poetry as in Central Java.As a result, in Indonesia the kris is commonly associated withJavanese culture, although other ethnicities such peopleare familiar with the weapon as part of their culture.

A kris can be divided into three parts:bilah(blade),hulu(hilt), andwarangka(sheath). A kris\'s aesthetic value covers thedhapur(the form and design of the blade, with around 150 variants), thepamor(the pattern of metal alloy decoration on the blade, with around 60 variants), andtangguhreferring to the age and origin of a kris.Depending on the quality and historical value of the kris, it can fetch thousands of dollars or more.

Both a weapon and spiritual object, kris are often considered to have an essence or presence, considered to possess magical powers, with some blades possessing good luck and others possessing bad.Kris are used for display, astalismanswith magical powers, weapons, a sanctified heirloom (pusaka), auxiliary equipment for court soldiers, an accessory for ceremonial dress, an indicator of social status, a symbol of heroism, etc.Legendary kris that possess supernatural power and extraordinary ability were mentioned in traditional folktales, such as those of Mpu Gandring,Taming Sari, and Setan Kober.