Indonesian Temple Gong with Ornamental Chain

Strike it once and the whole village knows. Two small birds ride the chain above.

This temple gong with an ornamental chain comes from Sulawesi, Indonesia, and dates to the mid to late 19th century, in bronze. Across Indonesia, bronze gongs were struck to call people together and to mark ceremonies, and they were also prized as family wealth and signs of rank. The hammered disc is broad and shallow, with a raised central boss where the mallet lands. Two hooks hold it from a chain with a pair of winged birds and a pierced, heart-shaped hanger. It hangs 45 inches high and 19 in diameter.

Dinner will never be late again.