Cucuk Sanggul (Hairpin) is one of the personal ornaments that Malay, Chinese, and Indian Peranakan women use for their hairstyles. Additionally, the Orang Asli tribe carves bamboo or wood to use as hairpins. These hairpins hold significant cultural value and showcase the artistry of the respective communities. They often feature intricate designs that reflect the rich heritage of each group. Wearing these hairpins not only enhances their hairstyles but also connects them to their cultural roots.

Women use hairpins to pin buns or secure hair to prevent the bun from unraveling. They craft hairpins from various materials, including gold, metal, bamboo, copper, suasa, and silver. In ancient times, women even used porcupine thorns and rattan as hairpins. The diversity in materials reflects the resourcefulness and creativity of these cultures.

Apart from their decorative purpose, women also use hairpins as weapons to defend themselves from threats. In the event of a fight between women or an attack from men, they use the hairpin to pierce the neck, eyes, genitals, stomach, or any part of the attacker’s body not protected by bones. Hairpins serve as one of the weapons feared by enemies and one of the best self-defense tools for women. This dual purpose highlights the practicality and importance of hairpins in historical contexts.

Among the hairpin patterns are :

• Paku/kecik hairpin
• Wau Bulan hairpin
• Sudu hairpin
• Goyang hairpin
• Kepang hairpin
• Bunga Senayan hairpin
• Bunga Pacak hairpin
• Pecah hairpin
• Jurai hairpin
• Gandik

However, in modern times, fewer women use Cucuk Sanggul because of the availability of various other decorations such as hair elastics, hijabs, and turbans. Despite this, hairpins remain an important heritage in the world of Malay jewelry and weaponry. Preserving this tradition is crucial to maintaining the cultural identity and history of these communities. Thus, efforts to revive and promote the use of hairpins are essential.

Dari mata turun ke hati,

Celak dan sanggul mencantikkan lagi,

Dah sayang mula ternanti-nanti,

Kalau terlepas nanti rugi.