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Ceremonial chopper
Ceremonial chopper

Ceremonial chopper

Place of OriginBali, Indonesia
Dateapprox. 1936
MaterialsCopper/nickel/zinc alloy and wood
DimensionsL. 23 in x W. 5 1/4 in, L. 58.4 cm x W. 13.34 cm
Credit LineVicki Baum Bali Collection; Gift of Wolfgang Lert and Ruth Clark Lert
Object number1992.42
DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art
ClassificationsArms And Armament
On View
Not on view
Inscribedon back: IJK or I/K; also an inscription in Balinese
More Information
This ceremonial axe was probably used during death rituals. Knives are used at several points during these rituals, including the opening of the coffin before the body is placed inside. One side of the axe is inscribed in a number of places. In the three tips of the blade are three sacred syllables, ang, ung, and mang. These syllables symbolize the Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Letters and syllables are important aspects of Balinese religious practice, and these three are commonly found on sacred drawings.