My new baby :)

[Battara]

Thank you BluErf. Both are great examples of beautiful work. One day when I grow up I will be able to do that.

Another possiblity for the gold in the recesses - often they put a type of red chemical in the recesses that made the recesses darker (I have seen this with pieces done in swaasa as well). This could be the case with this mendak as well.

[VVV]

Shahrial,

I also thought both the cross-piece and the hilt looked "Batman".
But I didn't want to confuse the references because Kai Wee called it kerbau.
Seems as if we both liked Batman as kids.
But my favourite was the Phantom.

Kai Wee,

Thanks for your explanations and reference pictures.
Look forward to read some more when you have checked with your Indonesian source.

Michael

[David]

Originally Posted by VVV

I also thought both the cross-piece and the hilt looked "Batman".
But I didn't want to confuse the references because Kai Wee called it kerbau.
Seems as if we both liked Batman as kids.
But my favourite was the Phantom. Michael

Well, i suppose it is possible that Batman had a keris somewhere on his utility belt.