Indonesian Painted Buffalo, Cow Bell Decorative Folk Art Sculpture, Wall Art
Maldon, United Kingdom
Hassle-free returns
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Other Wood
Style
Antique, Oriental, Traditional
Product Details
Description
Antique Indonesian Buffalo Racing Cowbell Painted Wood with Rope Handle
Discover this antique Indonesian buffalo racing cowbell, traditionally strapped around the necks of water buffalo during ceremonial races and steering events. Originating from rural Indonesia, these hand-carved wooden bells were an essential part of agricultural festivities and cultural rituals.
Buffalo racing, known as Barapan Kebo in Sumbawa, is a traditional sport in Lombok and West Nusa Tenggara, involving pairs of buffaloes racing across a muddy rice field. These races are cultural events that strengthen community bonds and are believed to boost soil fertility.
Key aspects of buffalo racing (Barapan Kebo):
• Traditional Sport: Buffaloes are paired, yoked together with a wooden yoke called a Noga, and a jockey rides on a wooden plank (Kareng) attached to the yoke.
• Muddy Racecourse: The races take place in flooded rice fields, with buffaloes racing through deep mud.
• Community Event: These races are social gatherings where farmers and communities come together, celebrating agricultural life.
• Boosting Soil Fertility: The tradition is believed to improve soil fertility and increase buffalo populations.
• Prestige: Winning a Barapan Kebo race is a source of pride for the community and can increase the value of the winning buffalo.
How it works:
• Buffaloes are paired and yoked with a Noga.
• A wooden plank (Kareng) is attached for the jockey to stand on.
• Jockeys encourage the buffaloes to run faster.
• The buffalo that reaches the finish line first is declared the winner.
Each bell is crafted from solid wood, shaped into a bold geometric form and painted with vivid layers of red, yellow, black, and natural wood patina. The paint has worn beautifully over time, revealing an abstract, almost contemporary surface that carries both its utilitarian past and an artistic presence today.
Why you’ll love this piece
• Cultural heritage: Used in buffalo racing, these bells embody the energy, sound, and vibrancy of Indonesian village life, now repurposed as sculptural decorative objects for contemporary interiors.
• Decorative versatility: Whether displayed on a shelf, table, or mounted on a plinth, these sculptural objects bring colour, authenticity, and conversation-starting presence to any space.
• Materiality and patina: Retains its original rope or twisted metal handle, with age-worn paint revealing layers of colour and use, creating an abstract painterly effect reminiscent of wabi-sabi
Origin:
Indonesia
Period:
Early to mid 20th century
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related wear, patina, and minor losses consistent with use. Original handle intact.
We recommend contacting us for precise shipping quotes, as 1stdibs estimates are indicative only. We always endeavour to find the most cost-effective and secure solution for your location.
Follow our page for curated cultural objects and historic design pieces, each selected for their craftsmanship, provenance, and ability to bring depth to contemporary living.
Condition report:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
Wear Condition
Good
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Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
No
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
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2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
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B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
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All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
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- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
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Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
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Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
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Some items cannot be returned:
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We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
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- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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