Accessories or jewelry enhance the wearer’s appearance, whether male or female. Since the time of Malay rule, clothing and personal adornment have symbolized status within Malay society. Moreover, these accessories, often crafted from gold, silver, and copper, feature designs and engraved patterns that convey certain values and meanings. Among these, Malay women’s fashion accessories hold a special place, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Malay community.

Among the popular Malay women’s fashion accessories in the past are:

Bracelet (Gelang)

A specialty of the Malay community, especially for women, bracelets consist of wristbands and anklets. Using rough wires twisted round and plated or dipped in gold, craftsmen create these accessories, often custom-made for the nobility from gold or silver. Malay, Indian, and Chinese Peranakan women commonly wore these bracelets.

Dokoh

Dokoh, a traditional Malay women’s clothing accessory, is worn around the neck. This chain pendant, usually shaped like a crescent moon or an oval, can be layered, ranging from one to three or more layers. Made of tin, metal, or copper, dokoh is often confused with brooches or kongsang. In the past, brides adorned themselves with dokoh styled with the Kebaya dress.

Brooch (Kerongsang)

The brooch (kerongsang) or kongsang is a type of pin used to fasten the hem of a dress or veil. Malay women typically wear three similarly-shaped brooches, though some opt for different shapes. Brooches can be worn singly or in tiers and chains, depending on the wearer’s wealth status.

Pending

Pending, which functions like a belt, serves as a Malay women’s clothing accessory. Featuring various motifs and shapes such as human eyes, round, or square, pending is typically worn by Malay men and women during ceremonial events. Men use pending to tie cloth and sides, while women wear pending on the waist over traditional clothing.

Cucuk Sanggul

Cucuk Sanggul is a personal ornament for Malay, Indian, and Chinese Peranakan women. In the past, most Malay women had long hair due to their feminine nature. Consequently, Malay women used Cucuk Sanggul to pin or hold long hair in a bun at the back of the head, preventing it from falling out.

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