Toba Batak Simanjomak White Metal Ear Ornament / Pendant

• Location-  West and Central Timor, (Indonesia)

• Estimated Age- late 20th century, likely a newer piece. 

• An intricately detaile ear ornament known as simanjomak, traditionally worn by the Toba Batak people of North Sumatra, Indonesia, particularly around Samosir Island in Lake Toba.

The distinctive design features a semicircular body with raised projections along its outer edge, tightly coiled decorative elements, and elaborate spiral details. The overall form is believed to represent a mythical creature, possibly an insect or the sibaganding, a sacred serpent associated with traditional Batak mythology.

Historically, these ornaments were worn by both men and women during important ceremonies and traditional adat rituals. They were also associated with wealth and social standing, and their symbolic imagery may have served a protective purpose. We have seen many different variations of this style. 

• These were both worn as earrings as well as pendants. This piece is about 2-1/4" X 1-3/4" and weights about 22 grams.