The term ‘Peranakan’ refers to the descendants of Chinese migrants who settled in the Malay Archipelago from the late 15th century and gradually adopted elements of Malay culture. The dress for women, or ‘nyonyas’, was adapted from the traditional Malay attire. A popular ensemble for Peranakan women in the late 19th century consisted of a long blouse, the Malay ‘baju panjang’, fastened with three brooches or ‘kerosang’, worn over a cotton sarong, known as the ‘kain chaylay’. The garment was complemented by a pair of beaded slippers, the ‘kasut tongkang’, and a batik handkerchief. The hair was usually held back in a bun and secured by hairpins called ‘chabang tiga’. Women from wealthier backgrounds also adorned themselves with various accessories such as tiaras, bangles, earrings and necklaces.
