Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A miniature cast brass signal cannon known as a lantaka upon a set of wheels, embellished with a crocodile and frogs. The crocodile straddles the double barrels, the snout just before the muzzles and the pair of frogs rest forward of the fuse holes. The name lantaka is derived from the Malay word 'lantak,' meaning "hammering down" or "ramming down" in reference to the muzzle-loading firing method, and they were mounted on ships to send warnings and signals for both merchants and pirates. These miniature cannons were introduced to southeast Asia by Europeans, where the form became popular not only for their original seafaring purpose, but as currency and trade items. Borneo artisans made beautifully adorned cannons, such as this example, which were used as dowry and displayed in a prominent location - the cannons could be fired to announce weddings and other noteworthy events in the village. Size: 11" L x 5.5" W x 5.25" H (27.9 cm x 14 cm x 13.3 cm)

Provenance: private Manchester, Missouri, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#173998

  • Condition: Surface wear and abrasions as shown. Dark patina and toning throughout. Softening to details. Wheels articulate and cannon lifts vertically.

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August 11, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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