“While most Indonesian sow-back combs… are found in Lampung and are usually referred to as Lampung combs, it appears that they were manufactured in West Sumatra by the Minangkabau who excelled in this work” (Bruce W. Carpenter, Ethnic Jewellery from Indonesia
This pendant shows very clean, bright colors, and a boteh design in the middle. Size: 5cm across, 8mm thick. Weight: 31g. Continue Reading
This mas piring from Maluku, Indonesia, is made of high-quality gold. It was worn as a pectoral. In comparison with most dishes of this type this example is comparatively heavy (111.6 gr) and firm in its construction, partly because it is relatively compact and not too large. In several larger examples the amount of gold… Continue Reading
Text by Michael Backman: “This magnificent Indian bracelet is fashioned from thick, solid gold sheet, and set with 66 large cabochon rubies. “The bracelet is at its thickest directly opposite the central boss which is set with a central ruby surrounded by an outer ring of rubies. The outer side of the hoop of the… Continue Reading
We are inclined to think that this Turkish forehead ornament might have been made for a much appreciated courtesan. Continue Reading
These bracelets were part of the exhibition “TREASURE SHIPS: ART IN THE AGE OF SPICES,” presented by the Art Gallery of South Australia in both Adelaide and Perth during 2015-16. They come from the Minangkabau Highlands of West Sumatra. Continue Reading
The crown which is the main component of the piece, at the top, was probably originally used to decorate the head of an image. Michael Backman’s example in the bottom photo is captioned “Gilt Copper & Rock Crystal Ganapati (Tsog Dak or Ganesh), Nepal/Tibet, 19th century.” Our crown apparently came to be separated from the… Continue Reading
This neck ring from the Ono Niha people on the island of Nias, Indonesia, is very light and thin, making it eminently wearable even though it is 29 cm in width. Because it made such a powerful impression, it was only worn by noblemen. The most expensive nifato-fatos were made entirely of gold. If an… Continue Reading
This headdress is virtually identical in design to the example shown in Hannelore Gabriel’s authoritative Jewelry of Nepal, p. 74, a so-called lunya swan; probably Newar work. It is worn like a hat on the back of the head. Continue Reading
