Batak Cast Brass Jewelry Box or Casket from North Sumatra – Hombung

Batak Cast Brass Jewelry Box (Hombung) – North Sumatra, Indonesia
20th Century | 11.5 x 22 x 9 cm | 1.5 kg

This finely cast brass jewelry box, known as a Hombung, originates from the Batak people of North Sumatra. Traditionally used to store precious ornaments, ritual objects, or betel-related items, the hombung reflects both status and spiritual protection.

Beautifully decorated with intricate repoussé and incised motifs, the box features twin stylized guardian figures at the front—likely representing protective ancestral spirits or singa, the Batak mythological creatures symbolizing power and fertility. The lid is adorned with an ornate latch and sculpted details, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship typical of Batak metalwork traditions.

The form, reminiscent of a boat or a ritual chest, embodies the Batak worldview linking the earthly and spiritual realms. Its aged patina and detailed ornamentation evoke both reverence and prestige, marking it as a prized ceremonial object as well as a personal heirloom.

Price include shipping worldwide by air parcel.

Similar example from the  Yale university art gallery –

https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/181715