Title
Ceremonial hanging
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
Lampung, South Sumatra
Dimension
Object size: L185 x W21 cm
Accession No.
1997-04501
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
This beaded ceremonial hanging, known as ‘palepai’, features two human figures facing each other and surrounded by animals, with the tree-of-life motif at the end of the palepai. It is beaded on rattan mat and is framed by shells. Such palepai made from beads and shells are very rare. This palepai is probably used as a hanging during ceremonial occasions, while smaller beaded ceremonial cloth were said to be gifts to the bride from the bridegroom, and placed near the bride during wedding.
