Rentjong with akar bahar hilt

[Moshah]

Originally Posted by Sajen

I only can guess that the man who collect this retjong don't know what he have there in front of him and has done it since in Indonesia everybody will know about this material.

Perhaps that is one's way to protect the material. Akar bahar is somewhat porous, minuscule pores were scattered all over it and the previous owner would think that it was the best coating he could give...

Or maybe it was purposely lacquered down beyond recognition, as a measure of secrecy...

BTW, that was a nice, old akar bahar you've got there...