Sulawesi Armor

[Maurice]

Originally Posted by David

I recently traded someone for this Sulawesi armored vest. He still has the catalog page that describes this as "antique", but i am much more inclined to use the word "vintage". I have no allusions that this particular vest was worn in battle, but i am curious to know when folks think this was made and for what market. The original price in the catalog was $1000 so it doesn't seem like an article that would be mass produced for the tourist trade. My friend paid much less of course in some clearance sale and i made a very reasonable trade with him. The materials seem to be bone scales over woven rattan. Came with the stand...

Hi David,

The ones I can remember were made of buffalohide/skin/leather (even with hair sometimes still on it), and the scales (which are bone on yours) were fastened with ratan instead of fiber.
When I find more, I'll let you know!

Ps. They also had (besides your type) the kind of armour made from iron rings, and sometimes with brass plates, similar to the moro armour.