INDONESIA, PROBABLY NORTHERN SUMATRA, 19TH OR 20TH CENTURY | Apotropaic Octagonal Top Ring (Cincin tapak gajah or Ring of the Elephant Footprint) of the Karo Batak

Overall the condition of the ring is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The ring is adorned with filigree and little gold balls. The arrangement of the decorative scheme is particular to each ring. Thus the placement of the gold balls and the form of the filigree is not symmetrical. It is possible that some gold balls and pieces of filigree may have been lost, but this doesn't appear obviously to be the case. There are a few slightly visible original joints in the metalwork. There are minor surface abrasions and very minor scratches.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Tapak Gajah are rings with a polygonal head seen in the jewellery of the Karo Batak, an indigenous people of Indonesia. It is thought that their unusual shape related to the magical diagrams on kuwari (amuletic arm disks, their diagrams possibly derived from Islamic traditions). For an hexagonal example dating to the 19th or 20th century see A. Richter and B. W. Carpenter, Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago, Singapore, 2011, p. 385. Another octagonal example, catalogued as 19th century, is published in B. Chadour-Sampson and S. Hindman, Rings Around the World, NY, 2016, pp. 186-190. An octagonal gold Cincin tapak gajah is in the Musée du Quai Branly, Barbier Mueller Collection (inv. no. 70.2001.27.673). Such rings were believed to be apotropaic and were used in marriage ceremonies. No two rings are the same, with the diagram on the head of the ring being unique.