Pectoral disc named after the moon (bulan), from Timor or SE Maluku.
Pectoral discs are status symbols that originally began as emblems of greats deeds in war, headhunting or hunting. Associated with celestial bodies, depicted as great hunters in local mythology, the discs may be plain or decorated, like this one. The same discs are worn by women after they give birth, together with other warrior’s ornaments.
This rare example depicts women breasts.
Made of bronze alloy.
From the first half of the 20th century.
Provenance: European private collection.
Diameter: 17 cm
Weight: 311,5 gr
Literature:
“Ethnic Jewelry from Indonesia”, Carpenter, Bruce W., Editions Didier Millet, 2011, p. 280
“Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Anne Richter, Bruce W. Carpenter, ed.Didier Millet, 2011, p. 98, 99
“Magie van de vrouw”, Vanderstraete, Anne, wereldmuseum, Rotterdam, 2012, p. 103
“Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 298
“The jewelry of Southeast Asia”, Richter, Anne, Thames & Hudson, 2000, p. 210
“Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 354
