Javanese pandita (holy man) with authentic kris - Indonesia - 20th century

Large Javanese wooden sculpture of a pandita (holy man) with an authentic kris.
Java in the middle of the 20th century
Material: hand-carved wood, polychrome, beads, with metal pamor-kris.
Height: approx. 50 cm

A special and atmospheric depiction of a Javanese pandita or dukun in a seated posture, traditionally dressed and adorned with bead necklaces. In both hands, he holds an authentic kris, complete with a wooden wrangka (sheath) and ukiran (handle).

The Kris
Origin: Java
Blade with a clear pamor (damask pattern), hand-forged.
Elegant carving of dark wood with an adorned mendhak (ring with beads and glass stones).
Including frame and axle (part of the sheath).

A beautiful detail is that the artwork is precisely designed so that the Kris can be placed in the figure's hands — this gives the whole a ceremonial character.

Condition
The object itself: very good condition for its age, light signs of use.
The Kris: an older specimen with weathering appropriate for its age; the blade is sturdy, and the sheath shows signs of wear.

See photos for a complete impression (part of the description).

Origin
Private collection Netherlands

An attractive, atmospheric, and rare piece of folk art with an authentic kris – highly decorative and beloved among collectors of Indonesian art and ethnography.

is packaged in a custom-made box and shipped with insurance