Sumatran Keris Panjang — The Mansfield Collection

Keris Panjang

Keris Panjang
Dutch East Indies (Sumatra, Indonesia)
Last half of the 19th century (ca. 1870 - 1900)
Steel, horn
Blade: 57,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 66,7cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: cm
Collection Date: 2023
Collection Number: 333

Ex. Eduardo Risuenso Collection: Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK (2023)

One of the many variations of the keris panjang, this example from the Indonesian Island of Sumatra. The style is also known as execution keris from historical accounts describing the insertion of the long narrow blade above the collarbone of the sitting criminal and having a cloth placed over the shoulder. Then, the blade was driven down directly into the heart, causing instant death. There is no doubt that some were used in this way, but many remained symbols of social status as well. This keris panjang is a regional development of Central Sumatra, from across the straight of Malacca from Malaysia.

The example here is slightly longer than the average at almost 68cm and exhibiting a wonderfully carved detailed hilt. The double- edged straight blade is long and narrow with a layered pamor pattern visible under the textured iron. Profiled ganga with greneng (teeth) at the base.

The outward flared hilt (hulu) of buffalo horn, extensively carved with flowing leaves at the base. The pommel in the shape of a blossoming flower, with tiers of upcurving and drooping leaves that are crafted in a pierced and deep relief fashion. A brass filigree mendaq in tapas kuda style is present between the hilt and the blade. A very good and old keris panjang with an elaborately deatiled carved hilt. Minor loss to the medaq and small chips to the pommel.

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[1] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1961-04-3-a

‍[2] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1961-04-4-a

‍[3] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1928-137-a

‍[4] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1928-138-a

‍[5] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1948-08-1-a

‍[6] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=6850

‍[7] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=6673

‍[8] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=7085

‍[9] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=8729

‍[10] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5708

‍[11] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=6545