I've not seen this type of hilt in particular, but have seen some older hilts embedded with some objects like stones, metals and other wood. Bugis, Sumatran and Peninsular hilt forms..
As far as I'm told, the reason is more talismanic in nature, according to some belief system. How far this is true, I do not know.
The object that was glued, seem to be a cabachon meant for a ring, pendant or something along that line.. which probably have some animistic value.
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