This elaborate gold ring (known as ‘cincin tapak gaja’), of applied filigree and decorated with gold beads, was worn by the Batak people. The ring has a very common decorative motif also used on women’s walking sticks. The motif was probably adopted from a Malay-type trading sultanate, such as Aceh or Minangkabau. This type of ring serves many purposes: they can be decorative pieces, amulets, conjurer’s tools for sorcerers, or ornaments used to change a run of bad luck. This ring is mainly for decorative purposes, but similar rings have been known to serve as containers for medicines and potions for sorcerers.
