Karo Batak rings, Sumatra Indonesia

Gilded silver Karo Batak rings called Tapak gajah, from Sumatra, Indonesia.

This type of ring was worn by men during religious and family ceremonies. The octogonal upper section is hollow and contains small stones, ofter devised to produce a jongling sound that was thought to flatter one’s “tendi” (soul). The outside of each ring in individually decorated with lavish filigree, twisted wires and granulations.

The inside bears a hallmark  from Chinese gold and silversmith’s communities working in the coastal regions. They followed the local taste of the different ethnic groups and made jewelry especifically for them.

From the 19th or early 20th c.

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. 114-5
“Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p. 74
“Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 278

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