MINANGKABAUS, Highlands of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Chiselled hardwood, dark patina, silver ferrule. Rare old "Ukiran" Kriss handle carved with a character from Wayang theatre, known as the "kingfisher" or "King Fischer". It owes its name to its particularly prominent nose, similar to a bird's beak. Presumed to be from the late 19th century. Height: 11 cm. Width: 8 cm Provenance: Collected in situ in 1970 by Jacques Cortecero.