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A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Javanese Ear Ornaments

Posted by Edith D on January 18, 2018 at 2:30am
These are called "sumping" and are found mainly in central Java. They are worn by both men and women only for ceremonial functions. These were worn by rulers to show rank and imply sensitivity to the needs of their subjects. Court dancers also wore these as part of their headdress. Today they are worn by brides and grooms. The version worn by men sometimes has ornamental dangles. The dangles are absent from the female version since she is assumed to be wearing ear plugs. My example is a vintage set (probably mid-century) made from gilded brass.
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Tags: Indonesia, earrings
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  • Edith D January 18, 2018 at 2:42am

    2506042178?profile=originalHistoric photo of the sultan of Yogyakarta (circa 1895) wearing sumping.  His were probably made from gold set with genuine gems.

  • Edith D January 18, 2018 at 2:43am

    2506043825?profile=originalA court dancer wearing sumping ornaments.  These are probably gilded brass.

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