| Accession Number | REL43300 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Physical description | Animal hide, Cotton, Ivory, Steel |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Netherlands East Indies |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Kris and Scabbard : Flying Officer J R Coate, 4 Airfield Construction Squadron, RAAF
Description
Indonesian (possibly Javanese) Kris with a traditional undulating and lightly engraved blade. The angled ivory hilt is intricately carved in floral and leaf patterns. The scabbard is light tan leather secured with a white shoelace.
History / Summary
The Kris (or Keris) is a dagger, usually with a distinctive asymmetrical blade, that has been associated with South East Asia- particularly the Indonesian archipelago and Malaya for hundreds of years. It is a weapon that holds major cultural and spiritual significance.
This object is associated with the Second World War service of 56759 Flying Officer D J R Coate, RAAF. Born at Lakes Entrance, Victoria in 1905, Joseph Robert Coate enlisted in the RAAF in June 1942. Coate served in the RAAF until his discharge in February 1946. He was attached to No 4 Airfield Construction Squadron at the time.