We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site.
By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies. Please refer to our
privacy
and cookie policies for more information.
EAST NUSA TENGGARA, INDONESIA, 19TH-20TH CENTURY 8.5 cm, 7 cm high 42.371 g, 24.505 g (2).
Footnotes
Three elegant mamuli of heavy gold with granulation work and applied filigree, the base with protruding projections depicting cockatoos.
The mamuli is one the most discernible forms originating from the island of Sumba, perfectly embodying the magnificent work of Sumbanese goldsmiths. Reminiscent of the archaic omega shape ubiquitous to insular Southeast Asia, these pendants held an important role in the socio-economic exchanges within Sumbanese communities. As ornaments, they were worn around the neck, on the ears or as part of a headdress as a display of power and social rank. Mamuli also constituted part of the traditional dowry, belonging to the inherited treasures of large aristocratic families.
Originating from East or Central Sumba, these examples are rather early, as displayed in their simple and stylised forms. With time, mamuli evolved to display increasingly complicated figurative motifs. (Rodgers, 1985)
References Rodgers, S. and Ferrazzini, P. (1985). Power and gold: Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Geneva: Barbier-Müller Museum, no. 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133,. pp. 330-331. Carpenter, B., Heurtault, P. and Guerreiro, A. (2011). Ethnic jewellery from Indonesia. Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, pp. 202-203, 204, 205. Carpenter, B., Richter, A. (2012). Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago. Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, pp. 134-146. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York acc. no. 1990.335.4 Metmuseum.org. (2019). [online] Available at: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/316408
Contacts
Yuanzhuo (Dora) Tan
Auction administration
-
Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Art
This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories excluding Wine and Whisky:
Buyer's Premium Rates 27.5% up to HK$100,000 of the Hammer Price 25% from HK$100,001 to HK$5,000,000 of the Hammer Price 20% from HK$5,000,001 to HK$50,000,000 of the Hammer Price 14.5% over HK$50,000,000 of the Hammer Price.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.