Enquiry about object: 9322
Batak Copper-Inlaid Cast Brass Ornament
Batak people, Lake Toba region, North Sumatra, Indonesia 19th century or earlier
width: 10cm, length: 7.9cm, weight: 90g
Provenance
UK art market
This fine cast and engraved brass element from a Raja’s belt and is in the form of a stylised, protective and highly stylised buffalo mask. It is inlaid with three copper ‘eyes’.
Cast with loops on the sides and on the top, the element would have been attached to brass chains, perhaps to a fire lighter.
Similar elements can be seen with attached brass chains in Sibeth (1991, p. 174). A very similar example is illustrated in Sibeth (2012, p. 31).
The example here is in fine condition. Its significant age is very clear.
References
Sibeth, A., The Batak: Peoples of Island Sumatra, Thames & Hudson, 1991.
Sibeth, A., Gold, Silver & Brass: Jewellery of the Batak in Sumatra, Indonesia, 5 Continents, 2012.
