[A. G. Maisey]

These buckles are called timang.

In the courts of Central Jawa they are used to hold the sabuk (belt) in place which in turn holds the wide sash (setagen) around the waist in place.

This sash/belt arrangement is extremely important, because not only is it the place where the keris is worn by slipping it between the winds of the sash, and it also holds the top of the sarung in place, but men are required to sit upright and motionless on the floor of the court for very lengthy periods. This sash/belt assists by acting as a type of corset to support the body.

The ones shown are from silver and rubies, iron and gold, silver, gold plate and diamonds. The rubies and diamonds are of extremely low quality --- but they sparkle wonderfully, and that's what is important.