Bark cloth coat

Title

Bark cloth coat

Year/Period

20th century

Region

Sarawak, Malaysia

Object Type

coats (garments)

Material

fiber, bark (plant material)

Technique

beating (assembling process), sewing (needleworking technique)

Accession No.

AA-0093

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

This bark cloth coat was worn by the Kelabits, one of the smallest highland communities of Sarawak. This type of garment was made by their womenfolk. Weaving was not practised by the Kelabits. Bark from the breadfruit tree was often used to process cloth, which was then made into jackets, loincloths, skirts, and also wrappings and blankets. The Kelabits were fierce warriors and headhunters. Their origins are unknown.