Title
Mamuli ornament
Year/Period
19th century
Region
Sumba, Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: L 7.4 x W 5.4
Accession No.
1997-04019
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
The Mamuli is a beautifully crafted pendant in diamond shape, and is one of the three pieces of jewellery worn by Sumbanese men. This piece of Mamuli ornament features a pair of cockerels It has a split running up to the centre, and the inner edge of the split is decorated with twisted wire while the fringe of the ornament is decorated with granules. Some Mamuli are considered as heirlooms while others are passed from family to family during marriage ceremonies as part of gift exchange. It is said that the shape of the Mamuli is inspired by the female reproductive organ and symbolises fertility.
