This gold headband was worn by a noble woman of Nias. Gold ornaments were reserved for the aristocracy and announced their high status and separation from the commoners. South Nias was an especially artistically intense part of Indonesia because Nias chiefs were locked in perpetual battle with each other for position and their main weapon for increasing their power was through increasing their artwork. The amount of gold jewellery and accessories they had would demonstrate the chief’s piety towards his ancestors and his generosity towards the lower classes.
