A distinctive, hollow-cast Majapahit "Canoe" Ingot: a trade bar from the Majapahit Empire era, Java/Sumatra (13th - 16th Century)., itemnumber: W5152

A distinctive, hollow-cast Majapahit "Canoe" Ingot: a trade bar from the Majapahit Empire era, Java/Sumatra (13th - 16th Century).

This 24-gram artifact features a unique architectural profile, characterized by a deep central channel or "groove" running its entire length. In the complex trade and spiritual landscape of ancient Indonesia, such forms occupied a fascinating space between practical currency and symbolic votive offerings.

Beyond trade, the boat-like form (resembling a simplified Prahu) carries deep spiritual meaning in Javanese cosmology, symbolizing the vessel that carries prayers or souls. The central channel may have originally held a small, inscribed prayer scroll or organic offering.
Note the rhythmic decorative stampings at the ends of the bar, which likely served as official "mint marks" to guarantee the quality of the tin for ancient merchants.
Specifications
Origin: Java / Sumatra region, Indonesia.
Material: Ancient tin/lead alloy with a heavy archaeological patina.
Dimensions: 70 x 9 x 9 mm.
Weight: 24.0 grams.

Dimensions: diameter in mm: 70x8x9, weigth in gram: 23,3

Please take a good look at the photos, they are part of the description.
They provide a clear picture of the quality and condition of the product and
they fill in any gaps in the text or correct any errors and are decisive for the description of the product.