A Men’s Armband (gelangsarung), KaroBatak, North Sumatra, 19h Century. Length: 11.5 cm; Width: 9.5cm; Weight: 192 grams. Price On Request. © Susan Ollemans.

“Earlier pieces like this arm-band, can be recognized by their smaller size, simple elegance and smooth patina.” (Richter A and Carpenter B, Gold Jewellery Indonesian Archipelago p 381)

The inner tube is made from bronze.

Very fine filigree work with granulation decorates the two knobbed arm-band. Worn by noblemen and thought to possess apotropaic properties that would protect the wearer.

Provenance: Private Collection Singapore

Similar Examples: Richter A: The Jewellery of South East Asia p98 #225
Richter A and Carpenter B.W Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipeligo.p379

Susan Ollemans. 13 Georgian House, 10 Bury Street, St James's, London SW1Y6AA, United Kingdom - Tel: + 44 ( 0 ) 7775566356 - Email: sue@ollemans.com