Gold Ornament 'Mamuli', Sumba

Thomas Murray ~ Asiatica

Mamuli Heirloom Ornament
38.8 grams

Sumba excelled at the creation of gold ornaments, with the mamuli being the best known. They are shaped in a characteristic omega form, which has been interpreted to represent the female genitalia and thereby reference fertility. But this feminine construct is balanced with “male” goats, which bring about a cosmic harmony, even while symbolizing wealth and prestige.

This exceptionally rare and important Goat Mamuli is likely the pair to the related goat mamuli in the Metropolitan Museum of New York, 1988.125.2

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