Ceremonial tiara comb Sumatra Indonesia, gilded repousee brass headdress

Description

An impressive tiara like
Sumatra
ceremonial hair comb with gilded brass decoration
CONDITION:
good vintage condition with accepted wear
SIZE:
6½ ins h x 9½ ins w (16 x 26 cm)
decorative part 4½ ins h (11 cm)
APPROXIMATE DATE:
1900s
MATERIALS:
copper, gilded leaf
DESCRIPTION:
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Here is a wonderful ceremonial tiara style hair comb, from Lampung or Minang,
Sumatra
. Provenance: Apsara Arts of
Asia
. Comes with custom stand for display,
This impressive tiara style hair comb shows Malay influence. The basis of the ornament is brass with gold leaf applied over repousee ornamentation. The basic form is a triangular one, with a cresting shaped into an elaborate openwork of leaf shapes. The repousee design features scroll work and flowers. In the centre front is a roundel with a formalised representation of a bird which appears to be a peacock. The Indonesian peacock, also known as the meyak bird
is a native species that lives in Java. This symbol is found everywhere in Indonesian art and architecture.
The comb is held in position by a row of triangular teeth which are placed beneath the ornamental cresting. The collage photograph shows similar tiara like headdresses in wear.