Ceremonial shoulder piece (sangkut bahu)

This is an elaborately embellished ceremonial shoulder piece (sangkut bahu) worn over the shoulder by Peranakan brides. It accompanies the long robe with a front opening (baju panjang) and tubular sarong they customarily wear for parts of the traditional wedding ceremonies. This stunning example is completely embroidered with small auspicious motifs – even in the centre, which is usually left undecorated and reserved for a matching rectangular panel. Although the sangkut bahu is unique to the Peranakan community, both its form and function share similarities with other shoulder cloths, such as the selendang, worn in other communities in island Southeast Asia.

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