Man’s Earring, Sitepal

Sumatra, Batak people
19th early 20th Century
Gold-plated Silver; 22.7 grams
1.75 in / 4.5 cm
SOLD

A single symmetric earring with duri duri (thorn) projections, which may be interpreted as phallic, and can be worn by a man or found on certain statues. This gold gilt silver heirloom also features an omega shape architecture akin to the mamuli form of Sumba and the linglingo of the northern Philippines long understood to represent the female sex and thereby make reference to fertility.