Taka gold pendant, Flores, Indonesia

Gold alloy taka pendant from Ngada Tribe, Central Flores Island, Indonesia.

Beginning of the 20th century or earlier.

Called a taka in the local Lio language, it is among the most valued heirloom item among the Ngada people of central Flores and tends to be handed down from generation to generation.

According to Richter, the pendants were worn by both Ngada men and women suspended from chains attached to the headbands. The removal of a taka from its usual hiding place in the house roof required the blood sacrifice of a small animal, and a blood libation needs to be sprinkled on the pendant before it could be worn.

The example here has a fine patina consistent with significant age and use. There light surface scratching but no repairs or losses.

Dimensions:

Size (approx): 8 x 8 cm
Weight: 29,3 gr

Literature:

Granucci, A.F., “The Art of the Lesser Sundas”, Editions Didier Millet, 2005.
Richter, A.,”The Jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Thames & Hudson, 2000.
Richter, A., & B. Carpenter,”Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”, Editions Didier Millet, 2012.
Taylor, P.M. & L.V. Aragon,”Beyond the Java Sea: Art of Indonesia’s Outer Islands”, National Museum of Natural History/Harry N. Abrams, Inc,1991.

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