This cap or ‘songkok’ is made of finely woven palm fibre and gold threads. The name Muhammad, which refers to the Prophet of Islam, can be seen woven in black. This songkok would have been worn by a Bugis prince. The width of the gold band indicates the wearer’s relationship to the King. The broadest gold band was reserved for the son who would inherit the throne. Slimmer bands were worn by other princes. This particular piece would have likely been used by the crown prince. The songkok was traditionally worn during Friday prayers at the mosque. The black-coloured songkok would be switched for a white one once the prince has performed the pilgrimage to Mecca.
