Artifacts from Sumba
Once known as "Sandalwood Island" for its fragrant timber, Sumba later became famous for its miniature horses and megalithic traditions. The island's aristocracy preserved a rich artistic heritage, reflected in its elaborate gold ornaments, finely woven textiles and ritual objects.
Among the most iconic Sumbanese heirlooms are mamuli pendants, omega-shaped gold ornaments associated with fertility and rank. These, along with chest pectorals and tortoiseshell combs, played a crucial role in marriage exchanges, marking a family's ancestral connections. Traditionally attributed to goldsmiths from outside the island, these treasures became integral to Sumbanese identity, often kept in noble houses and displayed during important ceremonies.
