Recently I joined an nparks tour of Fort Canning Hill. During my Singapore Heritage training last year, I learned about the jewelry excavated from this site, formerly known as Bukit Larangan.

In the British colonial period, construction of a reservoir began in 1927 and finished in 1929 atop the hill, an area now closed to the public. In 1928, workers made a significant archaeological discovery: a treasure of 11 gold objects, including an exquisite Javanese-style gold armlet.

This 14th-century armlet features the face of a kala (kirti-mukha or yali), a demon face from Hindu mythology. This motif, common feature on Javanese temples, was believed to offer protection. Please see my post on this motive to know more. The armlet’s intricate design includes skillfully crafted chains and clasps allowing for easy wear and removal.

The discovery suggests that Singapore (then Temasek) might be connected with 14th century Java, possibly belonging to royalty from the Kingdom of Singapura. While talking about Temasek and Javanese, I need to mention about Gaja Mada’s vow for a nusantara which annex Temasek, to show how connected these islands were.

This armlet is displayed at National Museum of Singapore. I blame myself for not visiting it yet!

This is a compelling evidence of medieval cultural exchanges between India and southeast Asia, show casing extensive trade networks that facilitated religious and artistic influences across the region.

For further reading:

• Style and Substance: Investigating the Gold Ornaments of Ancient Temasek
• Javanese-style gold jewellery discovered at Bukit Larangan (Fort Canning Hill)
• INVESTIGATING HISTORY: Singapura Before 1819
• Majapahit Gold. Gold Armlet & Earring of Fort Canning Hill

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