A Hindu-Javanese gold kris hilt in the form of a Rakshasa
Cast in 12 karat gold in the lost wax technique, this hilt probably comes from Blambangan, but shows Balinese influence. It depicts a Raksasa on the Tumpal throne with club in hand, ferocious fangs and curly in warrior mode strung hair.
H. 9.5 cm
Weight 71.6 grams
In the world of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Rakshasas were a populous race. There were both good and evil rakshasas, and as warriors, they fought alongside the armies of both good and evil. They were mighty warriors, expert magicians and illusionists. As shape-changers, they could assume different physical forms.
Provenance:
Purchased in Indonesia in the 1930s and by descent to Frank Wiggers, Portugal
Part of the Indonesian Archipelago collection.
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