Title
Pair of fruit shaped ear ornaments
Creator
Year/Period
19th century
Region
South Nias, Sumatra
Material
Dimension
refer to parts
Accession No.
2002-00696
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Edmond Chin
This is a pair of gold ear-ornaments in the shape of a fruit, worn by a noblewoman. The wearing of gold ornaments served particularly elaborate social purposes. For example, gold ornaments were reserved for the aristocracy and proclaimed their high status and separation from the commoners. Commoners’ ornaments were smaller and plain, whereas slaves were not allowed to adorn themselves at all.
