Snake-Form Head Ornament (sanggori)

Kulawi/Toraja people

Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

circa 19th- 20th century

copper alloy (bronze or brass)

7 1/2" H x 6 1/2" W

The Daulton Collection

in characteristic snake head and body form with pointed ends and protrusions for eyes at the center, featuring a raised central ridge to the tail; worn as an ornament attached to a headdress in a side facing forward position.

Provenance:

Collected prior to 2008; ex-Lacy Gallery (Vanna & Lee Lacy collection), Los Angeles California.  Lee Lacy was a distinguished Hollywood producer of iconic TV series and commercials.

Acquired by The Daulton Collection at auction in the USA.

References:

Bruce W. Carpenter and Philippe Heurtault,  Ethnic Jewellery from Indonesia: Continuity and Evolution (Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, 2012), pgs. 180-181: "Tied atop the head with the tail of the snake pointing upwards, the spiral snake image is a direct descendant of the Bronze-Age culture which flourished well into the 6th century in Central Sulawesi.  Made of bronze [or] brass and sometimes gilt, sanggori were usually worn by men of high status.  They are also symbols of fertility and power."