Keris With Bird Shaped Hilt
Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.091226.a-b
Object Type
Kris
Intended Recipient
President Barack Obama
(American, 1961)
Medium
metal (silver, gold), wood, gemstone, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D (Keris) H 6 in x W 4 in x D 19 1/4 in (15.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 48.9 cm )
Other (Blade Length) L 16 1/2 in (41.9 cm )
Overall - 3D (Sheath) H 1 5/8 in x W 6 3/4 in x D 20 3/8 in (4.1 cm x 17.1 cm x 51.8 cm )
Overall - 3D (Assembled) H 6 in x W 6 3/4 in x D 22 in (15.2 cm x 17.1 cm x 55.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionReplica of a Malaysian keris [dagger] (.a) with carved wooden hilt that resembles a water bird and sheath (.b) made from silver ornamented with gold and colorful stones inset along its length. The keris has an asymmetrical, dark gray blade with jagged edges near the hilt. The carved wooden bird head hilt has inset red stones for eyes, silver teeth, and a gold-toned beak. The head connects to the blade with a gold lattice piece. The sheath has a polished wooden asymmetrical hilt and ornate floral decorative gold patterns overlaid on the silver body. There are five oval-shaped stones along the blade in the order of blue, green, pink, green, pink.Other (Blade Length) L 16 1/2 in (41.9 cm )
Overall - 3D (Sheath) H 1 5/8 in x W 6 3/4 in x D 20 3/8 in (4.1 cm x 17.1 cm x 51.8 cm )
Overall - 3D (Assembled) H 6 in x W 6 3/4 in x D 22 in (15.2 cm x 17.1 cm x 55.9 cm )
Historical NoteReceived from Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, the King of Malaysia, during President Barack Obama's April 2014 trip to Malaysia. The kris/keris is a traditional asymmetrical dagger that has been used as both a weapon and a spiritual object.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library. Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
Not on view
Related Links