Mamuli Heirloom Ornament

Sumba
19th Century
Gold, 38.8 grams
2.75 in x 2.25 in / 7 cm x 5.7 cm
Price on Request

Ex Gehrig-Lister Collection

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, Gift of Jean Paul and Monique Barbier-Mueller, 1988 Accession Number: 1988.125.2