Subject: warrior chief
Culture: Batak
Setting: Dutch war, northern Sumatra 1872
Object: klewang sword
Dallas Museum of Art > Pacific Islands Collection *
"Sword with Janus-faced handle in undecorated sheath Indonesia: North Sumatra
Severe yet elegant, the sleek sheath is a perfect complement for the sculptural detail of the knife handle.
The two opposed profile faces have tapered chins or beards that merge and extend the handle.
The image of a face is often intended to avert evil, and the Janus-like version may have been considered a doubly effective talisman."
*
