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					Originally Posted by Sajen  Hi Tim,
 I don't think that there was any other material inlaid than wood, it could be that there was a knothole so the maker inlayed the same type of wood.
 
 This place would be very unusual for an amulette.
 
 Regards,
 Detlef
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 Agree with Detlef. These woods have very contorted grain patterns and can often have voids or checks in the material. I expect these inlays are for this purpose. 
Imagine putting all the work into shaping a beautifully grained pommel and coming across a void. Throw out your work or patch it with a matching piece.
I doubt these are talismanic at all.