Karo Batak bracelet, Sumatra, Indonesia

Gilt silver armband called gelang sarung formed of sliding tubes of silver around a metal interior tube with a concealed catch, with appliqué filigree spiral designs and granulation work. The gelang sarung is used by men of high rank as a protective amulet, worn during important adat ceremonies and at their weddings. These bracelets are also used by the Toba Batak and the style resembles the regalia of nobles in Aceh, Minangkabau and the Deli Sultanates along the Northeastern Sumatran coast.

Gilded silver and suasa alloy.

Late 19th century.

Dimensions:

Size (approx): 17 x 11 cm
Width: 2,3 cm
Inner Diameter: 6,5 cm
Weight: 199,2 gr

Literature:

“Bracelets ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, van Cutsem, Anne, Skira, 2002
“L’or des Iles. Bijoux et ornements d’indonesie, malaisie et philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Musée Barbier Mueller, Geneve, 1991
“Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011
“Gold Silver and Brass, jewellery of the Batak”, Sibeth, Achim, 5 Continents Editions, 2012
“Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011
“Sieraden, en lichaamsversiering uit Indonesië”, Wassing, Rita, Museum Nusantara, 1984
“The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000

INDO38

SOLD