Belt Buckle - Worn At The Court Of Surakarta - Indonesia - 18th Century

Rare Belt Buckle worn at the court of Surakarta in the 18th century. This is a magnificent belt buckle of iron and gilt copper, fashioned in the form of intertwined serpents, known as Timang ular-ular (ular meaning "serpent" and timang "buckle"). The gilt copper inlay, called suasa, is a popular metalworking technique in Indonesia. It imparts a golden sheen that highlights the shapes and eyes of the serpents. The buckles are elongated, with two intertwined serpents forming the frame; their tails curl around each other's necks. A central bar with a hinged prong is also formed by two serpents. Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Java, Surakarta, 18th century. 7x7cm The intertwined serpent was a popular fertility symbol associated with the goddess Dewi Sri (also called Nyi Pohaci), who represented prosperity, particularly through agricultural success. The rice field snake symbolized both the goddess and the fields she protected. Viewed with respect and veneration, snakes were so revered that a snake entering a home was often seen as a welcome guest and an omen of a good harvest.