GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Noblewomen were distinguished by the decoration and length of their sarong (skirt) and their adornments. Among the most imposing of the latter were golden headdresses, like this one, with bold spirals and gently tapering leaves of a majestic plant or tree rising above a mysterious heart-shaped face. The exact meaning of patterns on this intriguing object is no longer known, but it is possible to interpret them using other Moluccan objects, such as carved statues depicting the first female ancestor (luli).
The patterns on this headdress ornament may relate to the luli figures with their dominant motifs: a boat and a tree, both symbols of fertility. On the central stake of the ornament is a relief decoration made up of a symmetrically constructed tree that has roots in a boat with prows that curve strongly inward. On either side of the tree, “shoots” appear to grow from the human head, which is the basis of the headdress, integrating the human face with the tree motif. This combination suggests that the face on this headdress may represent a founding mother. The noblewoman who once wore this ornament was probably the eldest descendant of the founding mother of a descent group.
Excerpt from
Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, 2013.
NOTES
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Provenance
Until 2008: Nasher Collection, Dallas, Texas
2008: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of the Nasher Foundation in honor of Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is the copy of the Deed of Gift in the Collections Records object file (2008.52-73).
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apply to objects where number equals 2008.67
Category
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AND
General Description
Noblewomen were distinguished by the decoration and length of their sarong (skirt) and their adornments. Among the most imposing of the latter were golden headdresses, like this one, with bold spirals and gently tapering leaves of a majestic plant or tree rising above a mysterious heart-shaped face. The exact meaning of patterns on this intriguing object is no longer known, but it is possible to interpret them using other Moluccan objects, such as carved statues depicting the first female ancestor (luli).
The patterns on this headdress ornament may relate to the luli figures with their dominant motifs: a boat and a tree, both symbols of fertility. On the central stake of the ornament is a relief decoration made up of a symmetrically constructed tree that has roots in a boat with prows that curve strongly inward. On either side of the tree, “shoots” appear to grow from the human head, which is the basis of the headdress, integrating the human face with the tree motif. This combination suggests that the face on this headdress may represent a founding mother. The noblewoman who once wore this ornament was probably the eldest descendant of the founding mother of a descent group.
Excerpt from
Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, 2013.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
Catalogue essays specific to object
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
Provenance
Until 2008: Nasher Collection, Dallas, Texas
2008: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of the Nasher Foundation in honor of Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is the copy of the Deed of Gift in the Collections Records object file (2008.52-73).
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
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Objects
number
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2008.67
source file
object_notes_2_c-0221.xml.nores