Object Description
From Sumatra, Indonesia
Length of individual ornaments 17 cm width 16 cm ( 6.75 x 6.5 in )
ingot
Made from silver coins which were melted down, these ear ornaments are exceptional in both their size and the way in which they are worn which is in opposite directions. On the left side of the head it is threaded through the upper part of the ear with the spirals directed upwards or to the rear and supported by a headscarf whereas on the right the spirals are directed forwards or downwards and are often supported by the headscarf alone. A small removable section at the top of the loop allows the silver to be threaded through the ear.
The padung padung are just one part of a complex set of jewellery worn for the marriage ceremony and although the reason for the unique way in which this jewellery is worn is not widely known it has been reported by Susan Rodgers* that it symbolises the ups and downs of the marriage relationship.