The Purpose of Keris Panjang

[eli]

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