Lot of two traditional DAYAK earlobes

Lot of two traditional DAYAK earlobes in a stylized representation of mythological snakes. They are generally found in the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan or in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Made in bronze, they were acquired from an antique dealer in the Sarawak region of Borneo more than 10 years ago.

They were mounted on two metal displays.

Quite heavy, they deform the ears of DAYAK women by pulling them down. We should rather say "deformed" because this tradition is quickly lost and only a few elderly people still wear this kind of jewelry.

The objective is aesthetic. But when we look at it, we understand that, as jewelry is an outward sign of wealth in our countries, the earrings and their weight also determine the social status of those who wear them.