Nias earrings, Indonesia

Women’s earrings called “saro dalinga” from South Nias, Indonesia. This kind of earring was also worn singly by men.

Gilded low silver or brass. Also found in gold, a thin plate was hammered into delicate sheets for the construction of these elegantly ribbed ear ornaments. In their curling form and striations they resemble fern frond, and signify vitality and fertility.

From the first half of the 20th century.

Provenance: European private collection.

Dimensions: 8,5 x 7 x 4 cm each one

Combined weight: 35 gr

Literature:

“A world of earrings. Africa, Asia America”, van Cutsem,  Anne, Skira, 2001, p. 269
“Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p. 86, 87
“Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011, p. 388, 406, 407
“The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 201
“Vanishing beauty“, The Art Institute of Chicago, 2016, p. 225

P2083