Keris help for the uninitiated please

BluErf · 11th February 2010, 01:01 PM

I thought the rapier explanation was a myth?

I don't think the keris panjang was meant to be an execution tool first and foremost. I think the keris panjang is a symbol of authority, much like the sceptre in the European context. The keris panjang is as likely to be used in a fight as a king's sceptre is used in combat, I believe.

BluErf · 11th February 2010, 01:03 PM

Btw, I checked with Dave, and he thinks this keris panjang is definitely peninsula, due to the embellishment on the sheath, and the squarish buntut. However, it is quite difficult to tell which Malayan state it came from, though kelantan and Terengganu are possible candidates.

David · 11th February 2010, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluErf

I thought the rapier explanation was a myth?

I don't think the keris panjang was meant to be an execution tool first and foremost. I think the keris panjang is a symbol of authority, much like the sceptre in the European context. The keris panjang is as likely to be used in a fight as a king's sceptre is used in combat, I believe.

I have also heard the rapier theory is not all that plausible. Certainly, it is just a theory, so i don't think we can definitively say exactly why the blade is longer. But given the short pesi on the keris there is no way that a panjang could be effectively used against a rapier in a fight. My leanings are with Kai Wee on this as to it being a symbol of authority which is why it would be the choice of weapon for execution (and that the length makes it effective for that purpose with the method that is used). I do agree that to call it an "executioners keris" is probably as incorrect as calling a "keris sajen" a "keris majapahit", but there does seem to be enough historical reference to say that these were indeed used in this manner at times.

Atlantia · 15th February 2010, 12:48 AM

HI all,
My friend sends his sincere thanks, I will try and assimilate the latest info and summarise for him. Thank you all so much.
This is a big learning curve for me as a total newbie to the intricacies of Kerises!

11th February 2010, 01:01 PM	#1
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	I thought the rapier explanation was a myth? I don't think the keris panjang was meant to be an execution tool first and foremost. I think the keris panjang is a symbol of authority, much like the sceptre in the European context. The keris panjang is as likely to be used in a fight as a king's sceptre is used in combat, I believe.

11th February 2010, 01:03 PM	#2
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Btw, I checked with Dave, and he thinks this keris panjang is definitely peninsula, due to the embellishment on the sheath, and the squarish buntut. However, it is quite difficult to tell which Malayan state it came from, though kelantan and Terengganu are possible candidates.

15th February 2010, 12:48 AM	#4
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	HI all, My friend sends his sincere thanks, I will try and assimilate the latest info and summarise for him. Thank you all so much. This is a big learning curve for me as a total newbie to the intricacies of Kerises!