Kettles of this type were designed with a solid raised base to stand firmly on the floor. According to Minangkabau custom, traditional ceremonial feasts are set on the floor of a room. Meals are consumed while sitting on a floor covering. The brass kettle was probably used for washing hands before and after meals. It could also have been used for ceremonial display. Edward Richard Jacobson (1870–1944) was a businessman from Frankfurt, whose collection of Minangkabau brassware is very comprehensive. Between 1931 and 1932, the Raffles Library and Museum purchased from Jacobson many Minangkabau household and ceremonial items.
