Title
Set of pendants
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
Palembang, South Sumatra
Dimension
Object size: refer to parts
Accession No.
2002-00580
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Edmond Chin
This is a set of gold pendants with floral and leaf designs, and studded with diamonds. The pendants are decorated with the heads of 'naga', a mythical snake-like creature believed to have protective powers, at both ends. These pendants also reflect Chinese stylistic influence in their designs, typical of Palembang jewellery. These pendants were worn by women of status as decorative pieces. Jewellery has many different functions in island Southeast Asia, for example it was used to indicate social positions, to symbolise the importance of the social relationship between the giver and the receiver during gift exchanges, and to serve as miniature religious objects.
