Indonesian Marangga Chief's Necklace

Two triangles, one loop, and the jewelry of someone used to authority.

This gold marangga necklace element comes from Sumba, Indonesia. Marangga are triangular ornaments that are commonly associated with status and wealth on Sumba, and are often worn as pendants or kept as heirlooms. Two flat triangular plates meet at a single loop at the top, spreading into a wide, wing-like shape. The gold is smooth, simple and unadorned, with a matte, satiny tone that catches light on its edges. Nothing here is fussy. The form does the talking.

About 2 inches across. It suits a velvet tray, a bare neck or a very good frame.