Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 388 14 December 2016
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MALAY ARCHIPELAGO, Islamic Sultanates. Perak. Circa 18th century. Tin Ingot (122mm wide by 66mm tall, 73.22 g). In the shape of a winged dragon. SS –. Good VF, slightly bent at neck, base evidently broken off.
Ex Noble 109 (28 July 2015), lot 2364.
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)
Ex Noble 109 (28 July 2015), lot 2364.
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)