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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.

Padung-padung hefty ear lobe weights from North Sumatra

Posted by Susi Johnston on August 19, 2011 at 4:52pm
The Karo Batak people of North Sumatra wore enormous silver ear lobe weights called padung-padung which increased in weight and scale during the 19th century until they reached enormous proportions, such as these examples, which weight approximately two kilols. To support the absurdly heavy ear pendants, they were clipped into women's cloth headdresses so the weight was not borne solely by the distended ear lobes. I will post historical photos of this in a bit. Stand by!
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Tags: Batak, Indonesia, Sumatra, ear, minimalist, pendant, silver, spiral
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Comments

  • Joost Daalder August 20, 2011 at 11:51am
    Padung padung ear pendants, worn in opposite directions. Indonesia, Sumatra, Karo Batak people.
  • Joost Daalder August 21, 2011 at 5:01am
    Yes, your description is entirely correct.
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