Specifications

• Diameter: 20 cm
• Material: gold
• Position:
• Gender:
• Indigenous name: tuwu
• Price realised: € 2.750,-

Provenance

Christie’s, Paris 11-12-2007, lot 318

Publications

Ref.: Sibeth, Achim & Bruce W. Carpenter (2013), Nias Sculpture, 222-223, ill. v.01; Gronert a.o. (1990), Nias Tribal Treasures, 113 fig. 44

Additional information

It appears from an old photograph taken by Modigliani in 1890 that noblewomen wore these crowns with conical studs as well as nobleman. (Gronert a.o.) In the latter case the gold band was surmounted by a rattan construction enveloped by a fibrous and coloured material. Since this crown is a band only, it is not clear whether this is a male or female attribute.

Photo credits

Christie’s, Paris