Keris help for the uninitiated please

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Gene,

That's a Keris Panjang (a search will bring up tons of info) with a nice Sumatran blade.

Here's a thread which discusses the use of the Jawa Deman hilt with this type of keris. I'd guess that this example also comes from the Melakka Strait area, probably Riau.

Regards,
Kai

Hi Kai,
Thanks for helping. I'm completely unfamiliar with the subtlety and terminology of these weapons.
So I might be about to ask some 'obvious' questions
Right, so this type of Garuda hilt is called a 'Jawa Deman'?
What does that mean?
The abnormally long blade makes it a 'panjang'?
Are they just for show, for executions, or genuine weapons?
And it was made in Riau!

Any way of determining age of the blade?

Many Thanks
Gene