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Java Sailendra dynasty
1 massa Gold (20 rattis)
爪哇 夏連特拉
1馬薩金幣 (20 拉蒂)
Item number: A135
Year: AD 800-950
Material: Gold
Size: 7.0 x 7.0 x 6.0 mm
Weight: 2.45 g
Provenance: Spink 2023
This specimen is a 1 massa gold coin issued by the Kingdom of Sailendra dynasty in Java, Indonesia.
The obverse of this gold coin features Sanskrit inscriptions, while the reverse depicts the image of a lingam.
Lingam is a symbol within Hinduism representing divine creative power and cosmic energy, typically regarded as a representation of the principal deity, Shiva. Lingam is commonly depicted as a cylindrical object, symbolizing the infinity and immutability of the universe. In Hindu temples, Lingam is often placed on a circular pedestal, symbolizing the origin and cyclical nature of the cosmos.
Phallus worship, within Hinduism, constitutes a widespread form of veneration, regarded as an expression of reverence and homage to the deity Shiva. Devotees engage in rituals and offerings to the Lingam to seek divine power, protection, and blessings.
The Sailendra Kingdom, active during the 8th to 9th centuries CE, emerged as a significant polity covering present-day Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and southern Thailand. Dedicated to the advancement of Buddhism, one of its notable achievements was the construction of the Borobudur, initiated in the early 9th century. Revered as a pinnacle of Buddhist art, the Borobudur also served as an emblem of the kingdom. However, internal strife and external pressures led to a decline in its rule, ultimately bringing an end to its hegemonic status. Despite its relatively brief tenure, the Sailendra Kingdom exerted a profound influence on Southeast Asian culture, religion, and art.
“Massa” and “Rattis” are both ancient Indian units of measurement, particularly used for weighing objects.
Massa: It is a unit of mass or weight, approximately equal to 2.4 kilograms. Its precise equivalent value in modern metric or imperial units may vary depending on historical periods and regional differences. It is typically considered a small unit of weight.
Rattis: A unit of mass commonly used in ancient India, particularly for measuring the weight of gemstones. Initially based on the standard weight of a seed of the jequirity bean, it is approximately equal to 0.12 kilograms. It is smaller than Massa and primarily employed in gemstone measurement. The precise conversion to modern units may vary.
These units were utilized across various contexts, including trade, commerce, and jewellery manufacturing, where precision in weight measurement was crucial. While they may not be commonly used in the modern era of the 21st centuries, their historical significance in Indian culture and commerce remains noteworthy.
Piloncito Coins: There is a debate within the academic community regarding the definition of “Piloncito” despite the similarity of this type of coin to those unearthed in the Philippines. Some scholars argue from a broad perspective, asserting that the type and era of these coins align with the description of Piloncito. Conversely, another faction of scholars adopts a narrow definition, stipulating that only coins unearthed in the Philippines and bearing specific characters qualify as Piloncito.