This is one of the Malay Sumatran Keris called Keris Penyalang or Keris Hukum. In the olden days this kind of keris is forged and made not meant for fighting but more so for someone who have been given some special rights by a Ruler or King as a symbol of an extention of his power to rule or to execute a criminal by law. It can also be called as Keris Kuasa (Symbol of Power) Top sheath (upper parts of the Keris scabbard) in the sabit bulan or crescent moon form.
Notice one of the Panglima at front row second from right holding a Keris Penyalang in First Durbar in 1897 at Istana Negara,Kuala Kangsar.
Very long and sturdy blade represents the Empu's Skill (Keris Makers)
Hilt in the form of horse hoof or tapak kuda , it is made from buffalo horn with fine deep and pierced through carvings having a blossoming lotus flower at the top.
