Kebaya

The kebaya is a long sleeved open tunic usually reaching below the waist. The frontal hems are secured by ‘kerosangs’ or jewelled brooches connected together by short chains. White, cotton or voile lace kebayas such as this were favoured by the Nonyas and Indo-European ladies of the Dutch East Indies or what is today Indonesia. The ornamental, floral and geometric lacework motifs on this piece are possibly done by machine and they line the centre of the garment as well as down the frontal hems from waist level. The kebaya is worn with an inner camisole and paired with the 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.