Rare Ancient Javanese Lead "Boat Money, canoe or prooa (prahoe)" Ingot (9th-10th Century), itemnumber: W5213

Rare Ancient Javanese Lead "Boat Money" Ingot (9th-10th Century)

Add an extraordinary piece of numismatic history to your collection: an authentic Ancient Javanese "boat money" ingot (proto-currency). Dating back to the Early Classical / Pre-Islamic period (circa 9th–10th century), this beautifully cast lead-alloy piece features a distinctive crescent, boat-like shape with an integrated central stem or handle.
The crescent body replicates a traditional Javanese canoe or prooa (prahoe). In the maritime trading empires of Srivijaya and early Mataram, the boat was the ultimate symbol of wealth, transportation, and spiritual transition.
The vertical pillar in the center serves as a functional handle, historically representing the ship's mast or a stylized rower.
The curved body is decorated with early native Javanese relief patterns, featuring flowing floral and water motifs cast via the lost-wax method (cire perdue).
The artifact exhibits a naturally aged dark gray patina and stable mineral encrustations from centuries of burial. These artistic ingots were highly prized trade currencies used throughout the maritime Silk Road across the Indonesian archipelago.
Java, Indonesia (Early Mataram / Srivijaya period)

Dimensions mm: 98x26x8, weigth in gram: 40

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