2007.7 Sword with handle resembling a human face in profile

Long ago among the Tanimbarese, the krai silai (great sword), was the most impressive of all weaponry. The handles of such swords were usually composed of wood and bone and decorated with carved spiral patterns. This krai silai  is distinguished by the shape of its handle which resembles a human face in profile. According to the Tanimbarese, the face could be that of an ancestor who guaranteed protection and a successful outcome in battle to the bearer of the sword. This symbolism was common on Tanimbar, where ancestor veneration was practiced. Ancestors were believed to take up residence in tools and weapons bearing their image and help their descendants in undertaking difficult endeavors.

Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, 2013.

n.d.: Mission of the Sacred Heart, Tilburg, The Netherlands [1]

n.d.: Antonio Casanovas

n.d.: Steven G. Alpert, Dallas, Texas

n.d.: Philippe Guimiot

n.d.: Baudouin de Grunne

n.d.: Steven G. Alpert, Dallas, Texas, purchased from Sotheby's

n.d.: Joel Cooner Gallery, Dallas, Texas

2007: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from above, Dallas, Texas [2]

Notes:

The main source for this provenance is the Acquisition Proposal in the Collections Records object file (2007.7).

[1] The sword was deaccessioned. 

[2] See the copy of the invoice dated December 16, 2006, in the Collections Records object file (2007.7).

Apply to objects where number equals 2007.7