AKeris Bahari (or "Bahari kris") is a long version of a kris dagger mainly used in Sumatra.[1] It is also called Keris panjang (meaning, "Long kris").[2] Keris bahari is dubbed by European people as "Sumatran rapier kris" or "execution kris".[3]
Keris bahari evolved from the original kris, which is a dagger. As men fought, they needed a weapon with greater reach, and kris became longer and heavier. Two forms then evolved: The first is rapier kris (keris bahari), and the second is broadsword kris (sundang). Because the blade became longer, the handle had to be straightened to balance it.[1]
The hilt of keris bahari is made of horn, sometimes of silver and fish ivory, usually beautifully carved.[4] The shape of the hilt is straight or slightly curving at the end.[1][5] The sheath tip is usually rounded, but if cased in silver it often has square tip.[6] The blade of keris bahari is long and narrow.[7] Keris bahari is classified to 3 type depending on the length: The longest is called keris panjang, the medium keris alang, and the shortest, keris pendek.[3]
The execution by kris is called hukumansalang. Salang is synonymous with keris panjang.[8] The executioner made the victim to squat then drove the keris panjang from certain spot inside his collar bone down to the heart.[9]
