Kalabubu

File:Neck torc MET TR.657.2002.jpeg

Kalabubu is circular in form with diameter between {{convert|22|cm|inch}} to {{convert|25|cm|inch}}. The thickness of the kalabubu differs with the center part wider and then gradually smaller at both ends. The shrinking ends are connected to form either a disk, either of brass or rarely of gold. The internal frame of a kalabubu is made out of an iron or brass wire which is tied at the end. The tying at the end is shaped like a disk. Disk-shaped slices of coconut shell (or sometimes turtle shell){{cite web |url=http://www.museum-nias.org/istiadat-nias/ |title=Istiadat Nias |trans-title=Nias Tradition |language=id |author= |date=2017 |website=Museum Pusaka Nias |publisher=Yayasan Pusaka Nias |access-date=November 5, 2017 }} are fitted around the internal brass frame. The disk are cut progressively larger at the front center of the ring, and smaller at the end. The disk slices are then pressed together and then sanded and polished until they have a completely smooth surface. Finally they are dyed black.{{sfn|Marschall|2013|p=128}}

The internal brass frame of a kalabubu represents the great golden serpent of Nias mythology.{{sfn|Richter|Carpenter|2012|p=428}}

File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Studioportret van een man in krijgskleding TMnr 60046761.jpg

Kalabubu is associated with tribal warfare and the practice of headhunting (mangai binu).{{Cn|date=September 2024}} The kalabubu symbolizes masculinity, triumph in warfare, heroism, and warrior. Historically, only men that have demonstrated prowess in warfare and have decapitated the head of the enemy were allowed to wear the kalabubu.{{Cn|date=September 2024}} The wearer is usually seen as a kind of warrior hero of the village. The Kalabubu is also worn during the ceremonial war dance.{{sfn|Muhammad Husni|Tiarma Rita Siregar|2000|p=47}} Nowadays, most Nias men wear the kalabubu.{{sfn|Richter|Carpenter|2012|p=428}}

The kalabubu is featured in the seal of the South Nias Regency.{{Cn|date=September 2024}}

In northern Nias, a necklace known as nifitali-tali is the precious metal variation of the kalabubu. The nifitali-tali were exclusively worn by high ranking men on festive occasions e.g. the owasa feast. Unlike the southern examples, the nifitali-tali is always finished with precious metal such as silver or gold.{{sfn|Richter|Carpenter|2012|p=428}}

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==Cited works==

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• {{cite journal |last=Marschall |first=Wolfgang |date=2013 |title=Zwei emblematische Paneele in einem Haus in Süd Nias (Indonesien) |trans-title=Two emblematic panels in a house in South Nias (Indonesia) |language=de |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r3zVAgAAQBAJ |journal=Archiv 61-62 - Archive Weltmuseum Wien |location=Wien |isbn=9783643998378 |issn=0066-6513 |access-date=November 5, 2017}}
• {{cite book |author1=Muhammad Husni |author2=Tiarma Rita Siregar |title=Perhiasan Tradisional Indonesia |trans-title=Traditional Ornaments of Indonesia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l0DDCgAAQBAJ |year=2000 |publisher=Direktorat Jenderal Kebudayaan }}
• {{cite book |last1=Richter |first1=Anne |last2=Carpenter |first2=Bruce W. |title=Gold Jewellery of the Indonesian Archipelago |publisher=Editions Didier Millet |year=2012 |isbn=9789814260381 }}

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{{commonscat|Kalabubu}}

• Nias people
• Omo sebua

Category:Folk costumes

Category:Torcs

Category:Necklaces