These jewelry and relic containers were cast in 100% brass and – of course – don’t rust. I was told by my Dayak Relic collector that this was hand crafted by the Kenyah peoples in East Kalimantan (upper Mahakam Region). And, that it was crafted for a wealthy Dayak tribal member because of its ornate design and configuration. Notice the naga and dragons.
But how can that be? The Dayak collector lives in Makassar Sulawesi and he found or excavated it from river beds in the Walanea Basin in Sulawesi ! ! ! Still working on how it got there.
Circa early 1900 or earlier. 9″ tall with lid x 9″ at widest. A great piece with a great story!