Central Flores ear ornaments, Indonesia

Gold ear ornaments called “bela” worn by Young Ngada girls at comunal festivities. Bela are
occasionally used as marriage exchange gifts and worn at ritual celebrations by the
neighbouring Nagé people.

Made of gold alloy.

19th century.

Dimensions: 5,2 x 4,4 cm (each)
Weight: 25,4 gr

Provenance: German private collection.

Literature:

“A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 283
“L’or des Iles. Bijoux et ornements d’indonesie, malaisie et philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Musée
Barbier Mueller, Geneve, 1991, p.286
“Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier
Millet, 2011, p. 175-178-179
“Sieraden, en lichaamsversiering uit Indonesië”, Wassing, Rita, Museum Nusantara, 1984, p.61
“The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p.209
“Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p.243

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