Indonesian ethnic jewellery
Indonesian ethnic jewellery can be clearly seen in the important events, holidays, and of course weddings. Traditional Wedding in Indonesia – a time of great joy and happiness. In a traditional setting, which still prevails in most Indonesian regions, the suit is the concern of parents. The girl is not allowed to look for her husband alone, although she has the right to declare her preferences and to reject the proposed groom. Wedding ceremony, bridal dresses and jewelry in Indonesia are quite expensive, that’s why in the organization of the ceremony can take part a whole village or an entire street in the city. Bride’s decorations and dress, made of precious metals and stones are then kept as a family heirloom, and as a kind of financial contribution.
Indonesian wedding, as well as other local celebrations are usually held in the open air – in the big tent. At the wedding gather many guests – relatives and neighbors, all – in national costumes. Women – in the likeness of Indian saris and shawls in the Muslim style, with white individuals. Men – in sarongs and tubeteikas. Everything is clearly regulated by ancient traditions and rituals.
The bride and groom – in national Indonesian costumes, embroidered with gold and sequins. Bride, like all women – with a white face. The wedding ceremony involves a religious rite. Indonesians from the island of Sulawesi – Muslims, but their religious outlook is also based on Hinduism and indigenous religions. The bride and groom recite vows at the altar at the presence of individuals who express absolutely no emotion.

Bridal Headdress worn at the wedding of Minangkabau people. It’s made of filigree silver, sheet foil, beads, and crafted with cut-out love birds
In Indonesia, there are two types of wedding ceremonies: Ngerorod – is when the groom kidnaps the bride, and their honeymoon precedes the wedding ceremony, and Mepadik – marriage, when the bridegroom dates the bride, and all this ends with a beautiful wedding ceremony. The first type of marriage occurs among ordinary people, while the second – among the “higher” castes.
Indonesia, a large group of islands in South-East Asia including Java and Sumatra. Remains of Stone Age and Bronze Age culture have been found on several islands, and stone inscriptions indicate the presence of an Indianized culture in Indonesia by at least the 4th century AD. By the late 7th century the kingdom of Srivijaya, probably centered around Palembang in southern Sumatra, is mentioned in Chinese and Arab sources as a major commercial center controlling much of the East-West maritime trade, but only a few brick temples survive. Bronze images, principally of Buddhist deities, chronicle their religious allegiance. These sculptures, like those to be found in the Thai peninsula at this period, reflect in part the Pallava style of southern India. In the course of the 8th century the center of power shifted to central Java with the emergence of the Sailendra dynasty (775 -856), patrons of Buddhism who maintained close links with the Pala rulers of eastern India.

Circular Ear Ornaments with Curving Appendages made of Gold. 8th-early 10th century, Java, Indonesia

Crown worn by a noblewoman or dancer at the court of Palembang in southeastern Sumatra; gilded copper. ca. late 19th – early 20th century

Indonesian bride today – in a white embroidered dress, decorated with lots of jewellery – tiara, necklace, earrings
source of images:
Luxury. Jewellery club on social site vkontakte vk.com/club4648906