This sarong would have been worn by a Nonya (Peranakan woman) with a tunic (kebaya). It features a central panel (kepala) decorated with diagonal stripes and floral motifs while the rest of the body (badan) is decorated with floral motifs. The design structure of a wide elaborate kepala and field framed by narrow borders was the hallmark of batik cloths of the Chinese and European communities. Nonya style sarongs are known for their bright and gaily coloured designs. In the early 20th century, sarongs became increasingly popular compared to the skirtcloth (kain panjang) as the former could be worn more tightly.
