• Riau, Sumatra

• Wood, Silver

• Late 19th / Early 20th Century

• 3.25 x 3.75 x 1 in. / 8 x 9.5 x 2.5 cm

• Height on custom display stand: 5 in. / 13 cm

This bird form kris handle is a stylization of the Hindu god, Garuda. The form evolved as the originally Hindu area became Islamic. The flowing patterned design along with excellent silversmithing combine to create an exceptional keris handle.

Garuda was the god Vishnu’s vehicle. Often depicted as half bird, half human. Garuda is generally a protector with the power to go anywhere quickly.

The bird inspiring the design is the giggling scrub or giggling white scrub, a type of king-shrimp bird widespread in Asia. In English it is known by less amusing names such as the white-crested laughing thrush.

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