Old "Tebe" Ate Saga Earrings

• Location-  Central Flores, (Indonesia)

• Estimated Age- mid to late 20th century

• We collected this pair over 20 years ago. 

• An elaborate pair of traditional Ate Saga earrings from the Nage and Lio regions of Flores Island, Indonesia. Crafted from white mixed metals, these remarkable earrings feature intricate openwork designs, scrolling forms and delicate details throughout. Historically, this style of earrings were presented to women as engagement gifts that would symbolize a declaration of marriage. This particular style of earring was associated with people who were said to have a higher wealth and social standing in the villages. 

• There are several variations of this earring style, all of which traditionally served the same purpose as marriage gifts or symbols of marital agreements.

• These earrings are made from mixed metal with a low silver content, they measure about 2-5/8" tall by 2-1/4" wide.