Antique Indonesian Mamuli from Sumba Island, Indonesia - Rita Okrent Collection (P919)

Indonesian Mamuli (Pendant or Earring) Sumba, on stand. Size: 3'' x 2.5'' (8 x 6 cm). Height with Stand: 5" (13 cm) Indonesian Mamuli (Pendant or Earring) Sumba, on stand. Size: 3'' x 2.5'' (8 x 6 cm). Height with Stand: 5" (13 cm)

Vintage Ear Ornament or pendant called a mamuli handmade in the Sumba Island of Indonesia. In the past, the Sumbanes practiced artificial elongtion of the earlobes and mamuli served as ear ornaments, but today they are hung around the neck as pendants or attached to clothing. This is a male mamuli since it has an embellishment with minute figures of birds and male hunters. Male mamuli like this tend to depict scenes representing male greatness. The men are depicted with loincloths and elaborate headpieces and are brandishing spears. They appear to be ready to stab the birds who are eating out of dishes of grain. The base metal appears to be a silver alloy. The mamuli is covered in ornate swirls, granular decoration and vibrant gold gilding. Decorated mamuli like this are locally called karagat. I do not know the tribal origin. This is an original mamuli and not a reproduction.

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  Vintage from the 1930s
• A large Vintage brass and silver wash Mamuli from the Indonesian island of Sumba - ca 1940 The most iconic is a substantial, often decorated omega form, known as the mamuli . A family's heirlooms were traditionally stored on a designated platform in the rafters of an imposing traditional Sumbanese house. These treasures were brought out for wear and display to celebrate various ritual functions including rites of passage, funerals and Marapu traditions. 22grams 7 x 5 cm

This mamuli weighs a light 2.154 oz since it is hollow. It would make a great pendant. The dimensions are 4" wide, 3 1/2" tall and 5/8 thick. It is in excellent condition without signs of bending or any missing parts.