Antique Solid Silver Hallmarked Sarwak Iban Belt

This is a spectacular handmade solid silver belt and buckle from Sarwak. It is made of links with engravings of leaves. The buckle has an engraving of a bird with detailed floral background.

It is likely made by the Iban tribe indigenous to Sarawak and known for thier silver work. The Iban are 7 ethnic groups on the island of Borneo. The belt apparently was worn by Iban warriors.

On the back of the buckle there are hallmarks in what looks to me like Chinese characters , but there is another hallmark (the one to the left) that looks like it may be of another language.

It is a very well made belt and likely to have been an important heirloom. It is from the early 1900s and is in great vintage condition.

• The belt is 87 cm (34 1/4") so quite generous.
• Width is 3 cm (1 1/8") wide.
• The buckle is 8 x 6 cm (just over 3 x2 1/2").
• Weight is 135 g