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Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie, Painted Palm & Bamboo 1950’s
$1,144.25
£830
€969.23
CA$1,582.13
A$1,736.98
CHF 906.18
MX$21,019.84
NOK 11,357.61
SEK 10,701.86
DKK 7,235.04
About the Item
Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Sasak, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s
Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of the Sasak people. Crafted from lontar palm leaf panels (Borassus flabellifer) bound with bamboo strips (Bambusa vulgaris), each box is elaborately decorated with geometric motifs in natural pigments and inlaid with cowrie shells (Monetaria moneta or Monetaria annulus) – symbols of prosperity and protection.
The Sasak people are the indigenous ethnic majority of Lombok, closely related to Balinese culture but predominantly Muslim, with a rich heritage that blends Islamic practice with pre-Islamic animist traditions. Their society is rooted in rice agriculture, weaving, and ceremonial arts. Marriage rituals, in particular, hold great significance, with dowry exchanges symbolising family honour, prosperity, and the continuity of cultural traditions. These dowry boxes, known locally as keraroq or keben, were used to present gifts such as betel nut sets, jewellery, and heirloom textiles to the groom’s family.
Today, these boxes’ striking colours, tribal symbolism, and rhythmic shell patterns make them powerful decorative statements in modern interiors.
Uses today include styling as a sculptural object on consoles or floor displays, adding warmth and story; for storage of scarves, jewellery, or keepsakes in bedrooms and dressing rooms; as an accent in bohemian, Wabi-Sabi, or global-inspired interiors; or grouped in sets for maximum impact, stacked to create a low side table with history.
Care and preservation: Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture, as prolonged exposure can cause colours to fade and palm fibres to become brittle. Dust gently with a dry cloth; avoid using oils, sprays, or moisture-based cleaning products, which can weaken the woven structure over time. Handle with care to protect the intricate cowrie inlays and painted surfaces.
Origin: Lombok, Indonesia
Date: Circa 1950’s
Materials: Lontar palm leaf (Borassus flabellifer), bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), natural pigments, cowrie shells (Monetaria moneta / Monetaria annulus)
Dimensions: [Insert each box’s dimensions individually]
Condition: Beautifully aged patina with minor wear and loss consistent with age and ritual use. Some variation in shell inlay patterns, adding to authenticity.
Authentic Sasak lontar dowry boxes of this era are increasingly rare. Each is unique in its symbolism, reflecting the weaver’s hand and the family’s ceremonial life. These are pieces that carry stories across generations and borders, ready to ground modern spaces with cultural meaning and timeless beauty.
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- Dimensions:Height: 18.12 in (46 cm)Width: 18.12 in (46 cm)Depth: 13.78 in (35 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1920’s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2868345782362
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Maldon, United Kingdom
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