A beautiful vintage Indonesian Sumatra wedding tiara, crown or headdress with flowers and leaves

Ideal for vintage or rustic wedding

CONDITION: this vintage hair accessory was part of the stock of a wedding outfitter and has been used by Indonesian brides. Signs of wear and use and small repairs are to be expected on such items.

SIZE: 3 ins h x 10 ins w (approx 7.5 x 26 cm) inner diameter of headband adjustable from 6½ - 7½ ins approx (16 – 19 cm) to fit different head sizes.

MATERIALS: antiqued gold tone filigree metal and clear rhinestones

DESCRIPTION:

The headdress is based upon a flexible band of gilded metal, surmounted by a row of gold tone flowers and leaves with a shiny gold tone finish. The leaves and flowers alternate along the band. The flowers and leaves are made from shiny gold tone metal and each flower and leaf has small clear rhinestones set into it. Small pendant chains with rhinestones hand from the bottom of each flower and leaf. All these various elements are set upon spiral springs which cause them to tremble when the wearer moves and are soldered to the flexible headband.

This wonderful headdress would be ideal for pageants, fancy dress and perhaps for a bride who is looking for something different.

The photographs show the effect on the mannequin.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Large and elaborate headdresses are still part of the traditional dress worn on festive and ceremonial occasions such as weddings in Borneo, Sarawak, Sumatra and other western islands. Elaborate metal headings gilded, embossed and engraved are attached to combs and worn tiara like on the front or top of the head. These are frequently accompanied by many quivering metallic pins set with rhinestones and adding sparkle.

Such hair combs and headdresses are still part of the wedding regalia for bridal couples. In the past they were passed down through families as treasured heirlooms. However many aristocratic families have become impoverished and have reluctantly sold their treasured possessions. As a result original and handsomely crafted combs and headdresses are finding their way into western collections. Complete outfits of wedding regalia for both bride and groom are now usually rented from a Pemaes or specialist company who also does the bridal make up and hairdressing for the great day.