The kebaya is a long sleeved garment reaching to around the waist and open in the front. This garment is believed to have been derived from the ancient ‘qaba’, an Islamic robe worn by rulers across the Middle East since the ninth century. White lace kebayas such as this were favoured by Nonyas and Indo-European ladies of the Dutch East Indies. This piece has a simple design comprising of individual floral motifs down the frontal hems as well as at the edge of the sleeves. A kebaya is usually worn with an inner camisole and paired with a sarong, which is a rectangular piece of dyed cotton cloth worn as a skirt by wrapping it around the waist. Together, the sarong kebaya became a distinct part of the identity of Peranakan women.
