Gilded silver Karo Batak ring called Tapak gajah, from Sumatra, Indonesia.
This type of ring was made on instructions from a guru or religious specialist, and was worn as a method of treatment. Additional magic substances were often inserted on the inside of the bezel. The Batak interprered illness as proof that their living soul had temporarily lost direct contact with its person. Through such a ring and the medicine of a guru the soul could be persuaded to stay close to the patient, who would quickly recover from his or her illness.
The outside of the ring is decorated with lavish filigree, twisted wires and granulations.
From the 19th or early 20th century.
Provenance: Belgian private collection
Dimensions:
Top of the ring: 1,5 x 1,2 cm
Ring size: US 9 – 19 mm inner diameter
Literature:
“Bagues ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie et d’Amerique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2000, p. 177
“Gold Silver and Brass, jewellery of the Batak”, Sibeth, Achim, 5 Continents Editions, 2012. p. 118
“Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 279
INDO98
