Bride-Wealth

(Glossary Term)

Goods that are part of a ‘bride’s wealth’ or dowry. In the indonesian archipelago most traditional marriages, which take place within tightly knit communities, are accompanied by the exchange of such goods in a predetermined pattern. Typically, handwoven textiles pass from the bride’s family to the groom’s family, while precious heirlooms such as metal swords, water buffalo, and elephant ivory pass in the opposite direction.