The Sarong is a length of cloth that is sewn together at the ends to form a tube. The wearer then steps into the tube and by folding the excess cloth over itself, tightens the tube into a skirt. Sarongs were commonly made from batik textiles, where plain woven fabric is decorated using molten wax applied or drawn onto the cloth. After successive applications of wax and dye, intricate patterns and designs can be created. This piece is decorated with motifs of flowers, butterflies, birds and a large peacock. Peacocks are symbols of elegance, beauty, rank, wealth and power. Butterflies symbolise joy, romance and love. Several species of flowers of different size and shapes are depicted here. The textile also has two contrasting tones, a lighter and darker tone. This sarong is typical of the style worn by Nonyas in Manado and the Straits Settlements in the early-mid 20th century.
