The Purpose of Keris Panjang

[BluErf]

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).