Title
Dish
Year/Period
19th century
Region
Moluccas, Indonesian Archipelago
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: H3.5 x Dia 22.5 cm
Accession No.
2000-00803
Collection of
This dish is made with beaten gold, stained red with a flat rim, rounded sides and convex centre. The central medallion features four duck revolving around a central pivot point marked by a small sunburst motif. All designs are executed in repousse.Worn on the body as pendants or frontal, it is one of the most important male or 'hot' goods in Southeast Maluku culture. They are used to 'flash' at competing lineage groups during annual ceremonies between 'twin' villages.The lineage with the most finery is considered to be of higher status. These 'hot' goods are also exchanged for 'cool' female items like woven textiles during the marriage ceremony.
