I completely agree Alan. There is no way to understand the keris through objective scientific approaches. We can perhaps grasp the metallurgy used in this manner or understand techniques of wood and ivory carving or the intricacies of fine silver and gold work. We may learn through this process to recognize the difference between levels of quality and craft, but we will not truly understand the keris as a complete iconic object or the place it serves within the culture with this approach.
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