This delicate silk veil is thought to have been made in Egypt and brought back to Sumatra where it was further embellished with a traditional form of silver-strip embroidery, known as ‘klengkang’ in Malay. 'Klengkang' was widely practiced and is one of many innovative embroidery techniques that use precious metals to enhance the appearance and value of textiles. Fine silk veils from West Asia are commonly found in parts of Southeast Asia with prominent Muslim communities (Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines). They are typically found in coastal communities, suggesting that they were brought by traders or returning haj pilgrims.
