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A Nias nobleman's gold ‘nifato-fato’ necklace

$2,622.82
£1,965.97
€2,220
CA$3,603.32
A$4,022.76
CHF 2,107.87
MX$49,242.56
NOK 26,769.93
SEK 25,240.65
DKK 16,899.45
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About the Item

Indonesia, North Sumatra, Nias, 19th-20th century A crescent-shaped gold necklace hammered into folded ridges, the end fastened by interlocking hooks. Diam. 27 cm Provenance: Collection Rinck Hollnberger, Munich The nifato-fato is central to the ceremonial costume of the Ono Niha people and worn by men of high status in North and Central Nias. In South Nias, they were known as kalambagi and were also worn by aristocratic women. (Rodgers, 1985) The crescent-shape and the full circle evoke phases of the moon, and thus renewal. (Carpenter, 2012) References: - B. Carpenter & A. Richter, Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago, Singapore, Editions Didier Millet, 2012, pp. 420-423 - J. Feldman, Nias Tribal treasures, cosmic reflections in stone, wood and gold, Amsterdam, Nabrink, 1990, pl. 38, pp. 121, cat. no. 156, 157, 158 - S. Rodgers & P. Ferrazzini, Power and gold: Jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, Geneva, Barbier-Müller Museum, 1985, cat. 1, 2, 5, pp. 88-89, 319 For a comparable piece, see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, acc. no. [2000.160.21]
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.82 in (30 cm)Diameter: 10.63 in (27 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th-20th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Amsterdam, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5458242043792

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