This section of a gold bridal headdress takes the shape of buffalo horns and is decorated with a leaf and bird motifs in low relief repoussé, a technique where metal is ornamented or shaped by hammering from the reverse side. Minangkabau goldwork and jewellery is noted for its repoussé and elaborate detailing which draws inspiration from Malay, Bugis, Chinese and Acehnese styles and techniques.The horn motif derives from the Minangkabau legend of the victorious baby buffalo that fought a large bull from Java. It appears also in their claims to descent from Alexander the Great or Alexander of Two Horns as he is known in the Islamic tradition.
