Lelbutir (men’s earrings)
This pair of men's ceremonial gold earrings (loran), from the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia, are exceptional examples of a rare and highly important sub-tradition within Indonesian goldworking. Identical in form, the earrings consist of a central omega-shaped element adorned at the lower ends, sides, and top with decorative projections formed primarily from small spherical elements. Each side of the earring is adorned with a small spherical element at the edge of the lower opening. A projection, consisting of three conjoined spherical elements ending in a round flattened element, extends downwards from the base at either side of the opening. The right and left extremes of the omega curve are each adorned with a small, flat diamond-shaped element; the three remaining corners are each decorated with a small spherical element. The apex of the omega form is adorned with a finial formed from three progressively smaller spherical elements and this finial is flanked on either side by a small, flattened circular element.
Gold earrings such as these were worn as a sign of wealth and status on important social and religious occasions. In former times, Tanimbarese men pierced and artificially extended their earlobes, to create large holes. The earrings would be able to fit through and hang from the lower portion of the earlobe.
Gold earrings such as these were worn as a sign of wealth and status on important social and religious occasions. In former times, Tanimbarese men pierced and artificially extended their earlobes, to create large holes. The earrings would be able to fit through and hang from the lower portion of the earlobe.
Artwork Details
- Title: Lelbutir (men’s earrings)
- Artist: Tanimbar Islands artist
- Date: 19th century
- Geography: Indonesia, Tanimbar Islands
- Culture: Tanimbar Islands
- Medium: Gold
- Dimensions: Each: H. 1 13/16 × W. 1 1/2 × D. 3/4 in. (4.6 × 3.8 × 1.9 cm)
- Classification: Metal-Ornaments
- Credit Line: Purchase, The Fred and Rita Richman Foundation Gift, 2012
- Object Number: 2012.170a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Tanimbar Islands artist
late 19th–early 20th century
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19th century
Toba Batak artist(s)
19th–20th century
Ono Niha artist
late 19th–early 20th century
Ono Niha artist
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