Traditional jewellery as an aesthetic and cultural significance to malay women’s attire in Malaysia

Traditional jewellery holds aesthetic and cultural significance in Malay women’s attire in Malaysia, deeply rooted in the historical and cultural development of Malay society. In Malay culture, traditional jewellery is not merely decoration; it embodies profound symbolic meaning, reflecting status, identity, and commitment to cultural traditions. These accessories are essential to the visual representation of Malay heritage, especially in their association with traditional attire such as the baju kurung and kebaya. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding traditional Malay jewellery design, stemming from a lack of relevant documentation, particularly the use of motifs in design and pattern. Jewellery styling is still not sufficiently acknowledged as an essential accessory to complement Malay women’s clothing. This study investigates the intricate connection between traditional jewellery and women’s costume from a historical perspective, analysing how jewellery has significantly contributed to the expression of identity, status, and aesthetics across various periods of Malay history. The objectives of this research are: (1) to identify the types of motifs used in traditional Malay jewellery design; (2) to analyse the design characteristics; and (3) to establish the association of Malay traditional jewellery in Malay women’s costumes. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, using a descriptive approach and observation, and is framed within the Malay Aesthetic Principles (MAP) theory by Asliza Aris (2014). Primary data includes photo images and artefact samples of traditional Malay jewellery focusing on upper body accessories, sourced from the antique collector, National Museum, and Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur. Additional data comprises images of jewellery styling with baju kurung and baju kebaya from fashion magazines (1970–2022) published by Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka, alongside an expert interview. The findings show that the relationship between Malay traditional jewellery and Malay women’s attire profoundly reflects the community's cultural identity, heritage, and social values. This research contributes to the understanding of traditional jewellery’s role in attire, provides moral and cultural knowledge, and strengthens heritage preservation for future generations, specifically in the context of Malay traditional jewellery.