Ritual Knife

Bali, Indonesia
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Private American Collection

This ritual knife is a unique example. Carved from a boar’s tusk, the handle takes the shape of a pedanda siwa’s finger. A pedanda siwa is a Balinese priest of the highest order. They are distinguished by the presence of long fingernails on their hands. This knife’s handle is naturalistically carved using the natural curve of the tusk to delineate the fingernail. A geometric pattern has been fashioned at the base of the knife hilt and the original blade is still attached.

Height: 6 in. With Extension of Curve: 4 3/4 in.
IN 11-6-15 / SOLD