Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 388 14 December 2016
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MALAY ARCHIPELAGO, Islamic Sultanates. Perak. Circa 18th century. Tin Ingot (44mm wide by 11mm tall, 31.38 g). In the shape of a tortoise (kura kura) with suspension loop. Cf. SS 44. VF, brown patina.
These intriguing animal-shaped ingots served multiple purposes in Malaysian society. Tin, being considered a semi-precious metal in the area, was broadly used for currency and coinage, indicating that these objects functioned at least in part as a form of wealth-storage. But there was also a great magical significance to them. Saran Singh writes, "Traditionally the first ore obtained from a newly opened tin mine was smelted and cast into a pair of shell backed ingots, each of which bore a 'mantra' or magic prayer in relief on its rounded surface... Over the years the shell-backed ingot acquired a head and front legs which gave it the superficial appearance of a tortoise. Gradually other animals and insects were added and these sacrificial substitutes became an important part of many magical ceremonies." (SS p. 174)
These intriguing animal-shaped ingots served multiple purposes in Malaysian society. Tin, being considered a semi-precious metal in the area, was broadly used for currency and coinage, indicating that these objects functioned at least in part as a form of wealth-storage. But there was also a great magical significance to them. Saran Singh writes, "Traditionally the first ore obtained from a newly opened tin mine was smelted and cast into a pair of shell backed ingots, each of which bore a 'mantra' or magic prayer in relief on its rounded surface... Over the years the shell-backed ingot acquired a head and front legs which gave it the superficial appearance of a tortoise. Gradually other animals and insects were added and these sacrificial substitutes became an important part of many magical ceremonies." (SS p. 174)