Woman’s ceremonial skirt

This beaded skirt comes from the Maloh people in West Kalimantan, Borneo. The iconography reflects highly stylised geometric patterns. This skirt is decorated with coins and beads and has brass bells attached at the hem. Beads are considered rare commodities and garments sewn with beads are thought to have increased ritual and protective qualities. It is believed that during the harvest ceremonies if more beads were displayed on textiles, they will bring more bountiful harvests.