Man’s Headwrap (Tanjak)

Malaysia

Late 20th century

Songket cloth, metal and glass pin

The Tanjak, or Tengkolok, dates back to the 15th century and is a traditional Malay headwear for men. Made of Songket cloth, a type of brocade with shimmering threads, it is generally reserved for ceremonial occasions.  Typically, a groom would wear a Tanjak at his wedding. The structure of the headwrap, the way the cloth is folded, and the side (left or right) to which the tail of the cloth sits, all indicate the wearer’s social status.