Two Nice Goloks

[CharlesS]

Goloks are tools first and weapons second, but here are two nice examples I recently acquired. The shorter one is from Sumbawa with a simple horn hilt not worthy of the fine scabbard(and they do belong together), the other from Java, with a nicely carved and polished horn hilt and pamor blade in pattern "adeg" or "hairs standing on end". Both are very nicely balanced.

[tom hyle]

And they even have little hats, which may relate somehow to the pommel finials on the parang naburs?

[BluErf]

I think those are "makhota" (crowns). The forms depicted on the handles are most likely the makara, the vehicle of goddess Ganga. In Southeast Asia, at least, the makara is almost always depicted with a crown.

[Conogre]

I'd tend to agree with the crowns signifying "royal" or magestic beasts such as those ridden by deities as opposed to Batak influence.
Even in western hearldry beasts such as lions and elk are sometimes similarly displayed.
Both pieces are exceptionally well done, IMHO as well, and may well have been made for owners of royal bloodlines as well, although this, of course, is pure speculation.
Mike