Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, West Sumatra, Minangkabau, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A rare ceremonial headdress carved from wood and covered in an electrum foil composed of approximately 38-45% gold, 27-32% silver, and copper. This stylized form resembles a tied rope, composed of a thick, spiraled ring terminating in two flared finials with engraved disc faces, likely evolved from earlier knotted textile headpieces. The finials are carved separate and attached via tenon pegs. Such headdresses were used in rituals marking rites of passage or the empowerment of future generations. The surface is richly detailed with incised lines like coiled rope, and the flat terminal disc faces with a geometric radiating triangle / sun burst design. Size: 11" Diameter x 4" W x 10.5" H (27.9 cm x 10.2 cm x 26.7 cm); gold quality: 38% to 45% (equivalent to (9K+ to 11K); silver quality: 27% to 32%; copper quality: 20% to 31%

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Ralph T. Coe personal collection; purchased from Taylor Dale (TAD) Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; purchased in England

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#196373

  • Condition: Losses to gold leaf areas, revealing the wood beneath. Both flared finials are missing most of their foil but are repainted with a modern copper pigment. Stable but deep pressure fissures in the wood and chips to the finial edges.

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Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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