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19th June 2007, 07:57 PM | #1 |
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The Purpose of Keris Panjang
Hi I am a long time viewer but only second or third time thread starter.
I asked these questions on Keris Panjang a while ago but because I'm still interested I am starting a new thread about it to see if there's any fresh information on the subject. Questions below- I have always wondered on the role Keris Panjang plays in Indonesian society. I have come to understand that it is meant for judges, kings or people who have the right to execute somebody. But is its role first and foremost as a weapon of execution or as a symbol of power? Does anybody know when the first keris Panjang started showing up? Does anybody know why Keris panjang seem to be mainly made in Sumatra and Malaysia and what is its role in these societies? Thanks for any help in advance!-Eli |
20th June 2007, 09:06 AM | #2 | |
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Another hypothesis I came across was that the long blade evolved in response to the European rapiers when Portugese/etc. ships arrived at the scene... Regards, Kai |
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20th June 2007, 09:25 AM | #3 |
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From my knowledge the therory of combating rapiers has been but to rest do to the short tang on a keris which would make it easy to break during a fight. And many have also commented on the overall lack of efficency it would have compared to a rapier. Finally, if we look at where we see keris Panjang( often with royality or high ranking offcials) it just doesnt add up for me.
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20th June 2007, 12:24 PM | #4 | |||
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Hello Eli,
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This hypothesis is not my favorite, too - yet it needs to be discussed seriously and not just dismissed out of hand. Another line of thought could be that the gentry wanted to display that they had blades resembling rapiers even if they were not meant to be used against Europeans, at least not in a duel-like situation. So they could be mainly status blades and still owing their development to early contacts with Europeans. BTW, what are the oldest keris panjang known? Any pics? Regards, Kai |
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20th June 2007, 04:10 PM | #5 | |
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20th June 2007, 07:15 PM | #6 |
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Thank you Kai for explaining the rapier Idea better.
Another thought to think about is its brother forms Anak Along and Bahari, did these forms preceed the Panjang or come after it? |
20th June 2007, 09:54 PM | #7 | |
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Hello David,
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Regards, Kai |
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