Keris Hilt : pop quiz

[David]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Before I ask this question, I'd like to be very clear:-

I am not attacking anybody; this is a straight forward, plain question with no hidden agenda .

Lately I have seen several times the reference to "mass production" in discussions.

Exactly what do other members of this discussion group consider to be "mass production"?

I would have to second Alan's questioning of the term "mass production". I tend to think of it more along the lines of the Henry Ford model and it usually applies to larger items than keris hilts which need to be assembled. I think of machinery and conveyor belts and items which all turn out looking exactly the same as one another in mass quantities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_production
This hilt does appear to be a more modern and perhaps simplified tajong. At least it doesn't seem to follow the usually codified design pattern for tajong. Still it seems a fairly well executed carving. But i would question the idea that it was "mass produced".