Austronesian Granulated Ring with Lemon Quartz and Diamond

The worldwide instinct of adorning the body seems to be a basic human need. By doing so, people distinguish themselves, emphasize the individuality, and attest filiation to a group. Indonesian population is made up of over 400 distinct ethnic groups, each with their own language, culture and artistic heritage. Among Indonesian tribal societies, beliefs associated with the corporeal human body and with the soul have been closely tied to the use of body ornamentation and jewellery. Even when the materials and techniques have changed over time, the belief in the symbolic and magical powers of forms and motifs has remained.