Title
Maranao inlaid brass betel set
Year/Period
19th or early 20th centuries
Region
Western Mindanao, Philippines
Material
Brass, silver
Dimension
Object size: 10 x 22 x 10 cm
Accession No.
2011-01956
Collection of
NLB Type
Brasswork
This sireh set features geometric and floral designs known locally as ‘okir’, a very distinctive motif of Maranao woodcarving. The designs were created using silver inlay.The brassware of the Southern Philippines is closely related to those cast in other areas of insular Southeast Asia. It is likely that the technique was introduced to the Maranao through close ties with Brunei – a well known area for brassware production. However the inlaying of floral and geometric patterns using silver alloy is unique to Maranao work and makes their brasswares distinctive.
