Rare Batak Cast Brass Anklet (Leang Hisik)

This fine, spiral-shaped anklet (sometimes also described as an arm ring) is of solid brass and was cast using the lost wax technique. The interior is smooth, but the outside is decorated with rope twist motifs, three panels containing flower motifs, and other twisting motifs. The face of each end is decorated with a tight spiral motif.

Similar examples are illustrated in Sibeth (1991, p. 177), Sibeth (2000, p. 70) and Sibeth (2012, p. 172).

Sibeth (2012, p. 172) says that such anklets were worn by female dancers. Dances were not purely festive but were performed to please ancestor spirits – traditionally, the Bataks paid much regard to ancestor spirits. Today they are mostly Christian thanks to the work of German Protestant missionaries in the early 20th century.

The anklet is in fine condition and has a good patina.