Minang water ewer

Southeast Asian Collection

Accession Nr.: 51.14.1
Type: bronze, lead, gold and silver; metalwork
Date of production:
late 19th − early 20th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: yellow brass, cast
Dimensions: height: 24 cm
width: 20 cm
Minangkabau covered water jug with a strong ear and a narrow S-shaped beak resembling the shape of an animal's neck.
The water, once carefully boiled but before being consumed is sometimes left to stand for days in distintictivly designed kendis. The bronze kettle is decorated with traditional Sumatran minangkabau motifs, such as triangular bamboo buds (Malaysian: pucuk rebung) and flower and leaf motifs covering the entire surface of the object.

The Minangkabau are a Malay ethnic group living in Sumatra; where inheritance is matrilineal and, unlike other ethnic groups, it is usually the future husband who moves into the bride's house.