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Pair of earrings

Title

Pair of earrings

Year/Period

Late 19th-early 20th century

Region

Moluccas, Indonesian Archipelago

Material

Gold, cotton

Technique

Lost wax casting

Dimension

Object size: 001 - 002: L3.8 x W3.3 cm

Accession No.

2001-00375

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

This pair of earrings known as 'lelbutir' is the most distinctive jewellery form in Moluccas. The protrusions are described as 'legs' and the 'arms' are referred to as 'wings'. The hollow space in the middle of the piece is often filled with a strip of red cloth. Gold ornaments were important items of bride price and were exchanged for gifts of textiles and beads from the bride's family.