Gayo Alas hair ornament, Sumatra (Indonesia)

Hair bridal ornament from the Gayo Alas people in Sumatra, Indonesia. This large triangular ornament was attached to the back of the bride’s chingnon. The dangling tubular cones swayed and catched the light as she moved. Like many Gayo Alas items, it shows s strong Islamic influence.

Made of silver and suasa, an alloy of gold, silver and copper in various combinations. It is favoured by Gayo people over yellow gold.

The decoration is the same on both sides.

Early 2oth century.

Dimensions: 16 x 14 cm

Weight: 125,3 gr

Literature:

“Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p. 61
“The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 193
“Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011, p.458
“Parures de tête ethniques d’afrique, d’Asie d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, van Cutsem,  Anne, Skira, 2005, p. 198