Keten van de koning van Ternate c. 1675

This golden chain of the King of Ternate, crafted by an anonymous artist, speaks volumes about power, identity, and cultural exchange in the Indonesian archipelago. As an emblem of royalty, this chain represents not only the king's status but also the complex historical context of Ternate, once a major center of the spice trade. The intricate filigree work may reflect the influence of diverse cultural interactions, subtly telling stories of trade, colonialism, and resistance. Consider the weight of this chain, both literally and metaphorically. What does it mean to bear the weight of kingship, especially in a region contested by European powers? The chain embodies the negotiations between tradition and external pressures, reflecting how identity is shaped by both internal heritage and external forces.