Ceremonial garment

Title

Ceremonial garment

Year/Period

late 19th –early 20th centuries

Region

Malaysia - Sarawak - Iban

Object Type

ceremonial attire and accessories

Material

shell (animal material), glass (material), carnelian

Technique

sewing (needleworking technique), assembling (additive and joining process)

Dimension

Object size: 84.0 x 64.0,
Object size: 42.0 x 80.0,
Gross measurement: 123.5 x 80.5 cm

Accession No.

2020-00083

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

Credit Line

Gift of Mr Edmond Chin

This rare ceremonial garment is worn by Iban women from Ulu Rajang, Sarawak, Malaysia. The garment consists of an over-dress (tangu’) and skirt (burai lumit) made from a variety of glass, carnelian and shell beads. Chinese crotal bells line the bottom of the skirt. These bells were popularly referred to as “tiger” bells as the embossed surface of each bell resembles a tiger’s face.In Borneo, old beads were treasured as heirlooms and regarded as important markers of wealth. When worn, beads were believed to have protective properties. Such beaded garments were worn for ritual purposes during special occasions or major festivals.