A STUDY OF BABA-NYONYA'S EMBROIDERY STITCH TECHNIQUES IN THE LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/VoA.v21i1.11431Keywords:
Stitch techniques, Baba Nyonya, Embroidery stitch, Straits SettlementsAbstract
Baba Nyonya is a unique community in Malaysia, as their lifestyle seamlessly integrates Malay and Chinese cultures. The traditional dress and houseware adorned with Baba-Nyonya embroidery carry specific cultural connotations. There is still an unabated demand for Nyonya traditional embroidered clothing and accessories both locally and globally. This article explored the stitching techniques of Baba-Nyonya traditional embroidery in late 19th-early 20th century. The methods employed by researchers include fieldwork, analysis of physical items and images. It was found that there were seven stitching techniques of BaBa-Nyonya’s embroidery which was often applied to traditional attire. The coiled gold embroidery and bead embroidery were two the most distinctive among seven stitch techniques. These stitching techniques incorporated features from Malay, Chinese and Western cultures.The younger Peranakan generation actively inherits and practices Nyonya embroidery skills, allowing them to connect with their identity and cultural heritage.
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