Kris hilts: masterpieces of South-East Asian art

Abstract

"The kris--defined by UNESCO as a 'Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'--is the weapon of South-East Asia par excellence and representative of a people's culture and soul. This book takes us into the unknown world of the hilts of the traditional weapon of Indonesia and Malaysia, which embody a bridge between the Visible and Invisible worlds. They are art objects that represent abstract, human divine, and demoniac figures. Masterpieces of sculpture and engraving by the archipelago's master-craftsmen, here they are presented in all their splendour."--Page 4 of cover.