The Purpose of Keris Panjang

A. G. Maisey · 21st June 2007, 12:53 AM

Regarding keris used for legal execution.

In Bali there are reports of ordinary keris being used for this purpose, and the thrust was straight into the heart, through the ribs.

In Jawa ordinary keris were used, but I have also seen, and own, some Javanese keris that are Javanese versions of a keris panjang.I do not know the purpose of these Javanese long keris, but it is certain they could not have been used as items of dress.

I have in my collection a Brunei keris which seems to be a normal version of the Brunei Moro-style keris; this keris was used for state executions in Brunei from---I think---1842.

PenangsangII · 21st June 2007, 01:27 AM

Hello all,

I agree with Kai that despite the panjang's use as a status wear and excecution implement, it's still battle worthy.

According to Malay blade culture, weapons especially keris including the panjang, are not to be clashed with another weapon. That being said, the panjang is used as a weapon by employing silat principle (which I believe is very hard to be demonstrated here in the forum) whereby the keris wielders normally fight in circular motions. I think the best analogy is if we can think of western boxing - feint, duck, jab etc without having to block opponent's strikes.

The use of pasikutan sized blade is slightly different although the principle is the same. A Malay warrior normally will stand side way (sendeng), and will use the sarung to parry another blade (only when necessary) and will strike with the keris with another hand without having to surge forward with the right leg - again, think western boxing.

Pangeran Datu · 21st June 2007, 08:59 AM

AsWrWb

Hi Eli,

First of all, I’m not absolutely sure what you mean by ‘Keris Panjang’ (= Long Keris).

If by Keris Panjang you mean an oversized keris, then they were usually used for ceremonies. Among the oversized Kerises in my collection, I have a wavy Jawa blade that is about 90cm. long, about 1.5 cm. thick at its thickest point and with a ganja about 12 cm. in length; I have even LARGER Sundangs.

However, if you’re referring to the slim, long-bladed keris being touted as ‘Executioner Keris’, then here is my take:

This type of keris originated in central Sumatra around 15th – 16th C, in a place called Bangkinang. A Bangkinang keris is usually between about 50 cm – 70 cm. Apart from its elongated straight blade, also characteristic of the Bangkinang keris is its very ornate scabbard, with the cross-piece being generally and notionally, a crescent moon.
It was mainly the preserve of the local aristocracy/functionaries.
When Bangkinang was thrust into prominence, its keris became a saleable commodity.
This spread its manufacture to other areas, which created their own copies.
It became popular among peninsular Malays and was probably enhanced by the fact that at least one of its notable families had roots in Bangkinang.
This type of keris also became popular among seamen, especially Bugis seamen, who preferred a shorter version, about 40 cm. – 50 cm. in length (more suitable for shipboard use). Thus the term ‘Bahari’ was coined (bahar = sea).

The Bangkinang Long Keris and versions of it are spread throughout the archipelago, e.g. Lombok, Java, Borneo, Sumatra, Malay Peninsula. Some versions are also wavy-bladed.
How it evolved into an ‘executioner keris, a symbol of authority etc. could be due to many factors.

WRT … Executions… Traditionally, particularly in Java, keris executions were carried out using normal kerises (whatever was being worn at the time, there was no special type of ‘execution’ keris). It was reserved for the execution of members of the aristocracy/upper class and carried out by ‘peers’. Only on rare occasions would a mere palace guard/soldier be given authority to carry out an execution using a keris and then, usually using the condemned’s own.
Lesser mortals were subject to beheadings and the like.
This changed by the time of Mataram (Islam), when even aristocrats such as regents could be subject to beheadings.

Cheers.

WsWrWb

BluErf · 23rd June 2007, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pangeran Datu

AsWrWb

This spread its manufacture to other areas, which created their own copies.
It became popular among peninsular Malays and was probably enhanced by the fact that at least one of its notable families had roots in Bangkinang.
This type of keris also became popular among seamen, especially Bugis seamen, who preferred a shorter version, about 40 cm. – 50 cm. in length (more suitable for shipboard use). Thus the term ‘Bahari’ was coined (bahar = sea).

Hello Pangeran Datu,

That was an interesting take on the spread of the keris panjang. It sounds plausible, just wondering if you could share the source of the information please. Thanks.

On the bahari keris, it is my experience that most bahari keris were found in Minangkabau. In fact 70% of the kerises from Minangkabau seems to be of that form. As for the Bugis, I have not seen any of their kerises featuring bahari blades. The closest is probably the sepokal keris blades (or "claw"-shaped blades).

PenangsangII · 23rd June 2007, 05:01 AM

Blu, I am not sure I understand what you mean by saying panjang is poorly balanced. From my experience in handling the panjang (around 16 to 18" in length), the blade profile which is (normally)thick at the base and very thin towards the tip, along with almost 3" long of the tang in the tapak kuda hilt, is very well balanced although less maneuvourble compares to pasikutan sized keris. Furthermore, all the panjang that I have seen are tempered about 3 quarter from tip to base, which indicates killing purpose.

Regarding the bahari, I thought it is a name of a steel / iron. It also means something very valuable eg. gold used to be weighed in bahar such as one bahar of gold.

Yes I agree with Blu that Bugis seamen would normally carry the sepokal keris instead of Bahari which I also agree that it is of Minang's origin.

Newsteel · 23rd June 2007, 07:04 AM

BluErf has briefed it good and I support the comment that it is not really use for fighting weapon. More of showing royalty legacy, power, authority and status.

The understanding from some of keris panjang (aka keris penyalang, executioner) close match to rapier merely meant for its lengthy and narrow blade but not for its purposes or functionality. If one has to compare (functionnally) to rapier, then pedang or klewang would be a close match.

Bahari also means olden days, primitive age (in malay dahulu kala, kuno).

BluErf · 24th June 2007, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PenangsangII

Blu, I am not sure I understand what you mean by saying panjang is poorly balanced. From my experience in handling the panjang (around 16 to 18" in length), the blade profile which is (normally)thick at the base and very thin towards the tip, along with almost 3" long of the tang in the tapak kuda hilt, is very well balanced although less maneuvourble compares to pasikutan sized keris. Furthermore, all the panjang that I have seen are tempered about 3 quarter from tip to base, which indicates killing purpose.

Regarding the bahari, I thought it is a name of a steel / iron. It also means something very valuable eg. gold used to be weighed in bahar such as one bahar of gold.

Yes I agree with Blu that Bugis seamen would normally carry the sepokal keris instead of Bahari which I also agree that it is of Minang's origin.

Hello Penangsang,

Yes, panjangs have thick bases (sor-soran) which tapers into thinner tips, but because of the length of it and the comparatively light-weight tang/hilt, the weight still gets concentrated in the top 1/2 or 1/3 of the blade. The panjang is not a slashing/chopping weapon, so a point of balance in the top 1/2 of the blade would make it unwieldy.

Furthermore, the short tang and the tapak kuda hilt (which is usually made out of light tandok) is very light in comparison to a rapier/small sword guard/tang/hilt combined. So it does not provide sufficient counterbalance. Another point - I'm not sure if I've seen panjangs (old ones, not the newly made ones) with 3 inch tangs. The ones I've seen (without cut tang) are maybe 2 - 2.5 inches. Perhaps you could share some pics of your panjang please? Which region does the panjang come from? I'd be interested to know please.

It is difficult to explain in words why the keris panjang feels dead in the hand compared to the rapier/small sword. Perhaps the best way is to handle a real rapier/small sword to get I mean by good balance. The sword feels 'alive' in the hand. When you wield it, it feels like it can "jump" at the opponent when you thrust out, but it doesn't "pull" your hand when you reach the end of the thrust. When you want to withdraw, it comes back quickly. I don't get the feeling with a keris panjang. Maybe it's also to do with the shape of the grip. However, I do notice that my forefinger's base feels a bit hurt after wielding the panjang for a while.

Yes, keris panjang are tempered along much of the length. I have one that is tempered 80% of the length. Others half or 2/3 of length. However, tempering may be accord it some semblance of functionality, but does not mean it is really used.

rahman · 24th June 2007, 06:28 AM

Quote:

On the bahari keris, it is my experience that most bahari keris were found in Minangkabau. In fact 70% of the kerises from Minangkabau seems to be of that form.

Blu is quite correct. The bahari was the weapon fo choice for Minang traders and travelers, and there were many of them who followed the old Minang tradition of 'merantau' (in search of one's fortune).

The Bangkinang provencnace of the keris panjang, anak alang and bahari was recorded by the late Mr Bambang in his Ensiklopedi Keris. Bangkinang was a transit point for Minang travelers from West Sumatra going to East Sumatra, and the keris from this area became popular. The bahari, he argued, proved popular as it was easily concealed.

Bambang, however, did not explain why the panjang should be adopted as a symbol of authority. Many chieftains of old Negeri Sembilan have keris panjang as part of their regalia.

Indeed, old Malay custom dictated that only datos and penghulus were mpowered to use the panjang for executions. The royal method for execution was beheading, and a sword was used for this purpose.

If you look at 19th Century photos of the regalia of many sultans, the sword and the panjang were carried by court retainers, not by the sultan himself. This is a more recent development, as seen by the Yang Di Pertuan Agung carrying a keris panjang as part of his royal outfit.

It is also worth noting that the keris panjang described in the Hikayat Hang Tuah and Sejarah Melayu is different from the ones we see today. The keris panjang in the classics was sued as a slashing weapon, not as a stabber.

Yes, it would be interesting to trace back the development of the panjang, anak alang and bahari.

BluErf · 23rd June 2007, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PenangsangII

Hello all,

I agree with Kai that despite the panjang's use as a status wear and excecution implement, it's still battle worthy.

The keris panjang, in my opinion, is the equivalent of the ceremonial mace/scepter in European parliaments, and before that, symbol of Aristocratic power. We often see keris panjang in the collections of royal families, and they also find themselves incorporated into state emblems and royal family emblems. So the keris panjang is a symbol of power, authority, and maybe to a lesser extent - royalty (Which is associated with the former 2).

As an executioner's weapon? I suppose anything can be used as an executioner's weapon, even a lowly stone from the ground. Hence, the keris panjang could have been used as such, but it may be difficult to say it was the main purpose for its existence.

As a fighting weapon? Perhaps if its the only weapon we could get our hands on in an emergency, it would do. But we should probably consider "balance" in evaluating whether a weapon is suitable for combat. A keris panjang, especially the larger ones, are poorly balanced. The weight is in the top 1/3 or 1/2 of the blade (or the "foible"), and the tang is short, and the hilt does not provide sufficient counterweight. Hence, as a fighting weapon, the keris panjang feels "dead" in the hand. Grip-wise, the thumb and fore-finger must pinch the picetan and the aring rests on the base of the fore-finger. Its an ok grip if one does not move the keris panjang much, but in a fighting situation, the aring and the greneng, combined with the momentum caused by the concentration of weight in the foible, would probably rub the skin of the forefinger raw. Such a problem would not be so bad in a normal short keris because of much better size and balance characteristics. So I am of the opinion that keris panjang was not intended to be a fighting weapon, though it could be used in a pinch.

23rd June 2007, 07:04 AM	#6
Newsteel Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 132	BluErf has briefed it good and I support the comment that it is not really use for fighting weapon. More of showing royalty legacy, power, authority and status. The understanding from some of keris panjang (aka keris penyalang, executioner) close match to rapier merely meant for its lengthy and narrow blade but not for its purposes or functionality. If one has to compare (functionnally) to rapier, then pedang or klewang would be a close match. Bahari also means olden days, primitive age (in malay dahulu kala, kuno). Last edited by Newsteel; 23rd June 2007 at 09:19 AM.

21st June 2007, 12:53 AM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	Regarding keris used for legal execution. In Bali there are reports of ordinary keris being used for this purpose, and the thrust was straight into the heart, through the ribs. In Jawa ordinary keris were used, but I have also seen, and own, some Javanese keris that are Javanese versions of a keris panjang.I do not know the purpose of these Javanese long keris, but it is certain they could not have been used as items of dress. I have in my collection a Brunei keris which seems to be a normal version of the Brunei Moro-style keris; this keris was used for state executions in Brunei from---I think---1842.

21st June 2007, 01:27 AM	#2
PenangsangII Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 401	Hello all, I agree with Kai that despite the panjang's use as a status wear and excecution implement, it's still battle worthy. According to Malay blade culture, weapons especially keris including the panjang, are not to be clashed with another weapon. That being said, the panjang is used as a weapon by employing silat principle (which I believe is very hard to be demonstrated here in the forum) whereby the keris wielders normally fight in circular motions. I think the best analogy is if we can think of western boxing - feint, duck, jab etc without having to block opponent's strikes. The use of pasikutan sized blade is slightly different although the principle is the same. A Malay warrior normally will stand side way (sendeng), and will use the sarung to parry another blade (only when necessary) and will strike with the keris with another hand without having to surge forward with the right leg - again, think western boxing.

21st June 2007, 08:59 AM	#3
Pangeran Datu Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 79	AsWrWb Hi Eli, First of all, I’m not absolutely sure what you mean by ‘Keris Panjang’ (= Long Keris). If by Keris Panjang you mean an oversized keris, then they were usually used for ceremonies. Among the oversized Kerises in my collection, I have a wavy Jawa blade that is about 90cm. long, about 1.5 cm. thick at its thickest point and with a ganja about 12 cm. in length; I have even LARGER Sundangs. However, if you’re referring to the slim, long-bladed keris being touted as ‘Executioner Keris’, then here is my take: This type of keris originated in central Sumatra around 15th – 16th C, in a place called Bangkinang. A Bangkinang keris is usually between about 50 cm – 70 cm. Apart from its elongated straight blade, also characteristic of the Bangkinang keris is its very ornate scabbard, with the cross-piece being generally and notionally, a crescent moon. It was mainly the preserve of the local aristocracy/functionaries. When Bangkinang was thrust into prominence, its keris became a saleable commodity. This spread its manufacture to other areas, which created their own copies. It became popular among peninsular Malays and was probably enhanced by the fact that at least one of its notable families had roots in Bangkinang. This type of keris also became popular among seamen, especially Bugis seamen, who preferred a shorter version, about 40 cm. – 50 cm. in length (more suitable for shipboard use). Thus the term ‘Bahari’ was coined (bahar = sea). The Bangkinang Long Keris and versions of it are spread throughout the archipelago, e.g. Lombok, Java, Borneo, Sumatra, Malay Peninsula. Some versions are also wavy-bladed. How it evolved into an ‘executioner keris, a symbol of authority etc. could be due to many factors. WRT … Executions… Traditionally, particularly in Java, keris executions were carried out using normal kerises (whatever was being worn at the time, there was no special type of ‘execution’ keris). It was reserved for the execution of members of the aristocracy/upper class and carried out by ‘peers’. Only on rare occasions would a mere palace guard/soldier be given authority to carry out an execution using a keris and then, usually using the condemned’s own. Lesser mortals were subject to beheadings and the like. This changed by the time of Mataram (Islam), when even aristocrats such as regents could be subject to beheadings. Cheers. WsWrWb

23rd June 2007, 05:01 AM	#5
PenangsangII Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 401	Blu, I am not sure I understand what you mean by saying panjang is poorly balanced. From my experience in handling the panjang (around 16 to 18" in length), the blade profile which is (normally)thick at the base and very thin towards the tip, along with almost 3" long of the tang in the tapak kuda hilt, is very well balanced although less maneuvourble compares to pasikutan sized keris. Furthermore, all the panjang that I have seen are tempered about 3 quarter from tip to base, which indicates killing purpose. Regarding the bahari, I thought it is a name of a steel / iron. It also means something very valuable eg. gold used to be weighed in bahar such as one bahar of gold. Yes I agree with Blu that Bugis seamen would normally carry the sepokal keris instead of Bahari which I also agree that it is of Minang's origin.