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Sumatra Belt and Buckle Islam began to spread into Sumatra in the late 13th century and, as the ornament of arabesques and foliage shows, influenced the decorative arts. The Mingangkabau people live in the inland mountainous regions and hills and plains around Padang on the west coast of Sumatra. They claim descent from Alexander the Great. They are one of the world's few matrilinear societies. Women inherit titles, of nobility, houses and rice fields. It is also deeply Islamic. Niello was a speciality. Their metalwork is very fine. The decorative patterns are cut into the front surface of the silver. The background is then cut back further, roughened and filled with a preparation of lead, copper, silver and sulphur in powder form, which melts when heated. This is niello. Polishing helps in creating a smooth surface of black and silver. Sumatran niello often has a very grey color and great sheen because there is a high silver content. Niello work was carried out in Sumatra until the early 20th century, but very little is produced now.
Sarong Buckle
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