Kris Tajong vs. Kris Pekaka: A Question of Nomenclature

The distinction between Kris Tajong and Kris Pekaka often leads to confusion, as the terms are frequently used interchangeably, particularly in common parlance. The consensus among many keris experts, however, suggests they are not identical forms, though they are closely related and share a geographical origin in the northern Malay Peninsula (Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pattani).

The name Tajong properly refers to the entire kris assembly, taking its name from the distinctive, winged shape of its wooden cross-piece or scabbard (sampir), which resembles a traditional local fishing boat called a tajong.

The term Pekaka (or Pekakak), meaning "kingfisher," is often used to describe the hilt of a Kris Tajong. This is due to the hilt's long, stylized snout or nose, which superficially resembles a kingfisher's beak. However, older Tajong hilts were originally derived from Hindu-Buddhist iconography, representing a highly abstracted crouching figure—often identified as a powerful deity like Shiva or a rakshasa (demon)—rather than a bird.

Therefore, while the flamboyant hilt of a Kris Tajong is often called hulu pekaka (Pekaka hilt), the name Tajong denotes the specific, complete kris style from the Patani region, a style that incorporates this distinctive, pseudo-kingfisher-like hilt. The confusion highlights the complex evolution of Malay kris terminology and iconography.
Kris Tajong vs. Kris Pekaka: A Question of Nomenclature