This is a Balinese Kris with a Kocet Kocetan hilt ( a beetle representing the Balinese deity Batara Karpa, the father of all gods ) hand carved in black buffalo horn. The carving is very detailed. Although it may superficially appear to look like an horse, this is , in fact, the stylised form of a Capricorn beetle (see the 6 legs!). This is a symbolic shape as this Hulu (hilt) is used exclusively by the Brahmins caste and given as a present to a young man of this caste to represent his changing of station in life as he comes of age. This is a metamorphosis and as the beetle changes through its different stages in life, a young person undergoes several stages before becoming a mature individual. Highly Symbolic. The blade is made of iron forged with other materials forming a Damascus pattern, the patterns have a special mystical meaning in the Indonesian tradition. This one shows the pamor Pamor Beras Wutah which is auspicious for prosperity and abundance. The Beras Wutah represents grains of rice thrown in a stream. This is an auspicious offer act and apt to bring good luck and abundance. The sheath is simple and shows a somewhat ebonized wood to mimic a more expensive wood type. The blade measures 37cm while the overall length of the sheathed Kris is 65cm. Krises are an essential part of the Indonesian and Balinese life they are not weapons but highly symbolic objects in a dagger form.