Spearhead Pendant – Ujung Tombak
Private Collection 2023
The spear plays an important role in the Moluccan culture. Before the parang had found its way to the Moluccas, the spear was already there. It was not only used as a weapon, but also as a status symbol.
The spear often plays a major role in the stories about the origins of villages. When looking for a suitable place, a spear was often thrown by a kapitan. Where the spear fell and got stuck could be a possible place to establish a new village. Sometimes a new spring of water sprang up from the ground where the spear landed.
I made this spearhead pendant to wear when I had to give a Gallery talk about the Salawaku that was exhibited at the @stedelijkmuseum in Amsterdam in early 2023.
Not all villages on Maluku use the salawaku. Nor the village of Hulaliu where my roots lie. To honor our ancestors who did not carry a Salawaku, but did carry a spear, I wore this pendant at the Gallery Talk. It is made from Iron wood – Kayu Besi – from Hulaliu.
I still wear this pendant when I have an important meeting or event.
© Hatutamelen 2023 All rights reserved
