Malay buckle made from silver with reppoussee and niello floral design done. Silver was not indigenous to Indoneasia and had to bemined in Laos, Thailand and Burma and imported. Earlier pieces were made from brass with niello work. In the 1930 there was a shortage of silver and work in this medium declined.
Large buckles like this were worn by men during official ceremonies or special occassians, the buckles size was an indication of rank. In South East Asia jewelry is a display of both symbolism and wealth.
This buckle is 9" wide and 4 1/4" tall.
