A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

BELT - SARAWAK-MALAYSIA BORNEO

This is quite an interesting, large belt. The small tiles on the belt are arranged in a diamond pattern.The buckles of such belts usually depict foliage, flowers, sea creatures, gods, etc..To my knowledge, the belts, worn in Sarawak (Malaysia Borneo) were manufactured in China Mainland and exported to Sarawak.Sarawak, same as Brunei and Sabah used to belong to the British Brook family. It became later on part of Malaysia.
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Comments

  • Dear Peter, Another fantastic belt (and a style that is new for me). Strangely enough, at first sight, it reminded me a bit of certain types of Bulgarian belts; especially the buckle. But at a closer look one can see its Asian features...Very beautiful. Regards, Betty

  • So many exceptional belts, Peter. I wondered if these belts were worn by one particular community in Malaysia...Malay, Chinese or Indian? Or by all? Perhaps the Chinese community with its close ties with China was involved in their import.

  • Very likely made by the Straits Chinese - the buckle, anyway. See the two books I have mentioned in relation to another photo, Peter. And thanks for showing us all these photos: it so happens that I think several of the pieces are Straits Chinese, but that is not to criticise them!

  • What a great opportunity to explore the contribution of the Straits Chinese. Thank you Peter, Hillary and Joost for opening the door on this aspect of ethnic jewellery. Not often seen and discussed on EJ.

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