Title
Long tunic
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
Straits Settlements
Object Type
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 118.7 x 142.3 cm
Accession No.
1991-00293
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Lee Kheng Leong
This long tunic, known as baju panjang, was the standard women’s wear for the Peranakan and local communities in the Straits Settlements. It was worn with a batik sarong. Its loose fit is ideal for the humid climate of the region and also portrays a modest appearance. By the early 20th century, the baju panjang was sometimes cut with sheer materials, such as this example of baju panjang made of voile. The baju panjang was less popular with the younger Peranakan women who preferred the close-fitting kebaya.
