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.
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Very interesting, never seen a bracelet like that, only the kalabubu.
This is the only one I have had but there is one just published in Bruce Carepenter's book on Indonesian gold. His information is alway correct and also he has had access to the best and most unusual pieces in the world. I got this from some one that got it from a musuem collection de excessioning.
correction the book that just came out is not the gold book but called Ethnic jewelry from Indoneia and I highly recommend it. There is a book of just gold coming out soon and that is also worth getting it for anyone that is interested in that genre.
Thank you for this information on the book (s).
Linda, I think you mean the following just published book on Indonesian gold, which had come to my attention too: Anne Richter (an acknowledged expert in her own right!!) and Bruce Carpenter: *Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago*. It is available quite cheaply at Amazon. Sorry for these big letters - I got these from the place where I looked for details on the book, which is indeed certain to be very good. It is most definitely not just "Bruce Carpenter's book", however!
Could not convert the type into a small font when I saved the details for that book - sorry. Oh well, at any rate it is very legible!!
There is, also, a book authored JUST by Bruce Carpenter, and that is I think the source of the confusion. The book on GOLD jewellery is done by Richter and him, but Bruce published the following on his own, and I quote seller's information with it: "*Ethnic Jewellery from Indonesia: Continuity, Creativity and Evolution* is a compelling introduction to the little known visual power and beauty of the body adornments used by the myriad peoples of Indonesia’s outer islands, including Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, Sumba and Maluku. Illustrated with more than 500 rare pieces that have been accumulated since the 1970s by collector Manfred Giehmann, the book explores the depth and breadth of an ancient and magnificent tradition, revealing the fruits of careful documentation that has taken place over a period of decades. It will provide information on the origin, meaning and purpose of the jewellery items, as well as unique insights into the people who crafted and wore the jewellery for ritual or ceremonial functions." The book on Indonesian gold published by Richter and Carpenter, on the other hand, relies heavily on hitherto unpublished material from Singapore, and they include at least 700 pieces, many of them quite unknown. I understand that it is quite a sensation. Both authors are very good in their own right, and a joint book should be excellent.
This is not the gold book I am speaking of. That is not out yet. This one is Bruce with photos by Philippe Heurtault and an intro by Antonio J Guerreiro. Bruce in my mind is the walking encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to Indonesia and because he has handled so much stuff he really does know what he is talking about as both a scholar and dealer. Not to say the others don't know what they are talkng about but because he also deals gives him an added understanding of having to put his money on the line. He has the brilliant memory and oration of the facts as well along with his associate Frank Wiggers. These two know more about Indonesian arts than most. He writes really well and understands what he is doing really well and in my mind has put together the best books on the subjects he writes on. As well by handling the best stuff , has access to the best things , it is the reason I had such good pieces available to me.
As I say, Linda, there are currently TWO books involved. There is one just by Carpenter, and I am not saying anything against that or anything he has written: he is excellent. You were also writing however about a book on GOLD jewellery from Indonesia, which also exists, is highly praised, and is written by Anne Richter and Bruce Carpenter together (Richter, remarkably, being mentioned first). It should simply be mentioned - and this was my concern - that Richter is one of the two authors, and although it is fine to sing Bruce's merits, which are great, that does not mean that Richter is not an expert in her own right, on Indonesian jewellery, and she is widely acknowledged as such by those expert in that field themselves, including of course Bruce as her collaborator - otherwise he would not have published the book with her. Of the two books mentioned it is the one with Richter which is almost certainly the more important one, especially because of the unknown items from Singapore. What you say about Carpenter and his spending so much time with the best things in museums and other collections is just as true of Richter, who has specialised in the area for decades. Do you not know her work?? You seem to speak as though you don't, which would greatly surprise me. I stress again that I am not saying ANYTHING against Bruce's work, but it is imperative, if there are two authors in the case of a jointly written book, that both be acknowledged. And not least given Richter's standing in the field. Perhaps you are less aware of her as she lives in Australia, but there is no doubt that several of your fellow dealers and collectors in the States are well acquainted with her and her work, and think very highly of her.
Bruce and Frank showed me the book in San Francisco (large gold book) and it is the most spectacular book I have seen. Larger then anything and also with the most spectacular pieces as well. Many things that I fortunatly had been able to buy for clients are first time in a publication. This is the end all be all on gold Indonesian jewelry and truely a great reference.
The one I just purchased is the other one, also very good in the breadth of information and material. I am happy for both. Until this book came out also had not seen a Nias bracelet as above so it is nice now that I can show reference to any one that is interested in buying the above piece which is very reasonably priced I might add!
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