Title
Pair of earrings
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
Moluccas, Indonesian Archipelago
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 001 - 002: L3.8 x W3.3 cm
Accession No.
2001-00375
Collection of
This pair of earrings known as 'lelbutir' is the most distinctive jewellery form in Moluccas. The protrusions are described as 'legs' and the 'arms' are referred to as 'wings'. The hollow space in the middle of the piece is often filled with a strip of red cloth. Gold ornaments were important items of bride price and were exchanged for gifts of textiles and beads from the bride's family.
