Rare Large Antique Balinese Temple Hanging Lamak, Indonesia

Description

An extraordinary "Kepeng Lamak" from Bali, Indonesia, circa early 20th century. Lamak is a general term for temple hangings, mostly … more An extraordinary "Kepeng Lamak" from Bali, Indonesia, circa early 20th century. Lamak is a general term for temple hangings, mostly made of disposable materials like palm leaves for temporary offerings. A small number, such as this piece, were made by wealthy and aristocratic families for permanent display. The lamaks are traditionally displayed in temples or residents for a strong spiritual reason in Bali that is known as "Artja". They could function as receptacles, or a vessels of for the habitation of the deities when they descent to the earth on propitious occasions.
In a goddess form with a carved wood head adorned with painted face and mirrored crown who likely represents Dewi Danu, the water goddess, this lamak was constructed with a bamboo frame, cotton pompoms, fabric fragments, a central mirror where the heart locates, and hundreds of old Chinese coins tied with threads forming the main body and the hanging skirt. These coins known as Kepeng or pis bolong in Balinease (or simply as the red cash coin for their high copper content). They were minted during Qing dynasty in China with discernible reign marks ranging from Qianlong to Daoguang (18th-19th century). These coins were found abundant in Bali due to the active commercial trading with the Chinese sea merchants, as well as well established Chinese communities that long resided on Bali.
Due to the nature of the construction and the native use, it is uncommon to find a large antique piece in such impeccable condition and patina. There doesn't seem to be any noticeable coin missing and all the fabric elements appear intact.
From a Palm Beach, FL collection
Provenance: Purchased from Gordon Bishop International, Ltd in NYC in 1978. Gordon Bishop specialized in Indonesians antiques and textile. less