Batak Necklace

Silver-Gilt Necklace (Sertali Rumah-Rumah)

Necklaces such as the example here were worn by both Batak men and women either around the neck or as a head decoration.

The clasp comprises two hollow, rectangular components that clip together. The necklace it self comprises two types of ornaments.

The five roof-like, gilded silver ornaments are what gives the necklace its name –

rumah-rumah means houses in the local dialect. From each of these hang five small chains with pilo-pilo danglers.

The five

rumah-rumah ornaments are divided by seven sets of lepah-lepah beads.

Each component is attached to a black textile rope which gives the necklace its structure.

See Volger (1999, p. 92) for a similar example in Cologne’s World Cultures Museum, and Sibeth (2012, p. 144-145) for other illustrated examples.

The necklace here is in a stable, wearable condition. One of the

rumah-rumah ornaments has some denting.

Sibeth, A., Gold, Silver & Brass: Jewellery of the Batak in Sumatra, Indonesia, 2012.

Volger, G., (ed.),

Kunst der Welt: im Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum fur Volkerkunde, Koln, Prestel Verlag, 1999.

private collection