By region and theme

Discover Indonesian Heritage

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Indonesia Wide

Collections that span multiple islands and eras across Indonesia.

Jawi Manuscripts in Indonesia: Malay Writing, Islam, and Maritime Exchange Caci of Manggarai: Ritual Combat, Performance, and Community in Flores Topeng Masks of Java and Bali: Character, Performance, and Transformation Bisj Poles of the Asmat: Ancestors, Ritual, and Monumental Woodcarving Korwar Ancestor Figures of Cenderawasih Bay La Galigo Manuscripts: The Bugis Epic, Performance, and Cultural Memory

Sumatra

Batak ritual objects, symbols, and heritage from North Sumatra.

Suntiang Minangkabau: Bridal Headdress, Status, and Ceremony Piso Gaja Dompak: Batak Prestige, Authority, and Heirloom Culture The magical Pustaha book of the Batak people from Sumatra Naga Morsarang Singa: The Toba Batak Protective Figure of North Sumatra Tunggal panaluan

Bali and Lombok

Paintings and objects linked to Bali and Lombok islands.

Palm-Leaf Manuscript Making: How Lontar Was Prepared, Written, and Preserved Gringsing of Tenganan: Double Ikat, Ritual Protection, and Weaving Knowledge Balinese Offerings: Canang Sari, Materials and Daily Devotion Painting - Volcano and Lake Batur from Bali Anthropomorphic mask from Lombok Island

Java

Colonial-era views and historical materials connected to Java.

The Bonang: Structure, Sound, and Role in Javanese Gamelan Javanese Bronze Gongs: Casting, Sound, and the Material Culture of Gamelan Pegon Script: How Javanese and Sundanese Muslims Adapted Arabic Writing Kawi Script and Old Javanese: Writing, Literature, and Power in Early Java The Ciaruteun Inscription and the Kingdom of Tarumanagara Wayang Golek: Sundanese Puppetry and Storytelling in West Java

Browse by topic

Kingdoms and Courts

The Ciaruteun Inscription and the Kingdom of Tarumanagara Demak and the Rise of Islamic Court Culture in Java The Cirebon Sultanate and the Blending of Javanese, Islamic, and Coastal Culture The Banjar Sultanate and Riverine Power in South Kalimantan Explore topic

Ritual and Belief

Bisj Poles of the Asmat: Ancestors, Ritual, and Monumental Woodcarving Korwar Ancestor Figures of Cenderawasih Bay The Bedug: Sound, Timekeeping, and Community in Indonesian Islam Traditional Rituals in Bekasi and West Java: Local Culture and Community Life Explore topic

History and Exchange

Indonesian Spice Trade Routes Before European Colonialism The Maritime Kingdoms of Early Indonesia and Their Trade Networks Ancient Trade Routes and Their Impact on Indonesian Culture Indonesian influence in Madagascar: a surprising historical and linguistic link Explore topic

Music and Dance

The Bonang: Structure, Sound, and Role in Javanese Gamelan Javanese Bronze Gongs: Casting, Sound, and the Material Culture of Gamelan Caci of Manggarai: Ritual Combat, Performance, and Community in Flores Sasando Music and Rote Island's Cultural Memory Explore topic

Linguistics

Linguistic similarities between Romanian and Bahasa Indonesia Explore topic

Masks and Sculpture

Topeng Masks of Java and Bali: Character, Performance, and Transformation Balinese Influenced Carved Wooden Storage Box from Lombok with Guardian and Naga Motifs Carved Buffalo Horn Male and Female Figures from Lombok Carved Water Buffalo Horn Rice Scooper from Lombok Explore topic

Weapons and Regalia

Toraja Gayang Blades and Highland Status Traditions Sasak Klewang from Lombok and the Memory of Local Resistance Sumbanese Swords and Horseback Martial Culture Papuan Bows, Arrows, and Local Warfare Traditions Explore topic

Numismatics

Numismatics - 75th anniversary banknote of independence Numismatics - "new rupiah" banknotes depicting volunteer heroes Indonesian Numismatics Explore topic

Batak Culture

Piso Gaja Dompak: Batak Prestige, Authority, and Heirloom Culture Indigenous Belief Systems of the Batak People Pangulubalang: A Carved Batak Ancestor Figure in White Wood Porhalaan and Ritual Knowledge: A Batak Medicinal Container in Buffalo Horn Explore topic

Textiles and Craft

Gringsing of Tenganan: Double Ikat, Ritual Protection, and Weaving Knowledge Noken Bags and Papuan Community Life Batik Beyond Java: Regional Textile Traditions Across Indonesia The Cultural Impact of Dutch Colonial Rule on Local Crafts Explore topic

Architecture and Maritime Culture

The Boat as Home: Sama-Bajau Maritime Knowledge in Eastern Indonesia Borobudur Reliefs as a Gallery of Early Javanese Life Toraja Funeral Architecture and Ancestral Memory Symbolism in Balinese Temple Architecture Explore topic

Community Life

Suntiang Minangkabau: Bridal Headdress, Status, and Ceremony Mamuli of Sumba: Gold, Marriage Exchange, and Ancestral Wealth Moko Bronze Drums of Alor: Exchange, Status, and Island Memory Productivity Rituals in Indonesian Culture: Work, Community, and Daily Discipline Explore topic

Society and Identity

What Is the Role of Pancasila in Indonesian Society Today?Colonial vs Modern Education in Sulawesi: A Historical Comparison Colonial vs Modern Education in Surabaya: What Changed and What Remained Traditional Education Systems Before Colonial Rule Explore topic

Philately

Philately - stamp sheet with Mount Sewu, a UNESCO geopark Philately - stamp sheet with Sukarno, Indonesia's first president Explore topic

Colonial Illustrations

Vintage photos of Surabaya, the city of heroes Indonesian tribal illustrations, including the famous Dayak headhunters Explore topic

Environment and Landscape

Volcanoes, Memory, and Sacred Geography in Java and Bali Sacred Forests and Community Conservation in Indonesian Tradition Indigenous Environmental Wisdom in Indonesian Communities Explore topic

Manuscripts and Literature

Palm-Leaf Manuscript Making: How Lontar Was Prepared, Written, and Preserved Jawi Manuscripts in Indonesia: Malay Writing, Islam, and Maritime Exchange Pegon Script: How Javanese and Sundanese Muslims Adapted Arabic Writing Kawi Script and Old Javanese: Writing, Literature, and Power in Early Java Explore topic

Food Heritage

Market Life and Traditional Food Exchange in Indonesian Port Cities Sago as Heritage Food in Eastern Indonesia Regional Rice Traditions and Local Identity in Indonesia Traditional Indonesian Culinary Heritage and Ritual Food Explore topic

Performance and Storytelling

Wayang Golek: Sundanese Puppetry and Storytelling in West Java Wayang Kulit and the Javanese Worldview: Symbolism, Morality, and Spirit Wayang Kulit Symbolism: Hidden Meanings in Shadow and Story The Spiritual Meaning of Javanese Wayang Kulit Performances Explore topic

Painting

Painting - Volcano and Lake Batur from Bali Explore topic