'Tengkolok' Makes Ideal Souvenir

By Razali Pilus REMBAU (Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia), July 10 (Bernama) -- The traditional Malaya men's headwear that is colloquially known as tengkolok (also destar or tanjak) is actually just a cloth that can be tied differently depending on the person's status and his state of origin. Today the tengkolok is only worn at special events and ceremonies such as during official ceremonies of the Malaya royal palace. Moreover, tengkolok has now become a popular gift item and has made appearances at the Harrods Departmental Store in London, thanks to the efforts of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia). VERSIONS The tengkolok is popularly accepted as a traditional Malaya headwear for men although the Malays traditionally wear this headgear in various styles. It forms an essential part of the royal Malaya costume and is known to be patronised by palace officials known to grace public ceremonies and official functions at the palace courts. In keeping up with tradition and palace protocol, however, there are certain guidelines to be kept in mind and followed when wearing the tanjak. Each curve and folded arc of the headgear represents its own unique philosophy and identity. Take as an example, the dendam Tak Sudah design of the royal headdress worn by the Malaysian King. It is known that every Malaya ruler has his own self-styled tengkolok as is seen in the case of Selangor Sultan's Solek Balung Raja. There are many different versions and designs of the tengkolok such as "Kacang Dua Helai Daun", "Dendam Tak Sudah", "Sarang Kerengga", and "Solok Timba". In southern state of Negeri Sembilan, tengkolok is widely known as destar. GIFT ITEM Realising the potential of the tengkolok as gift items, estate manager Mohd Ghazali Ibrahim and his wife Norlaily Abdullah, 62, of Kampung Senama Hilir, Rembau began to position this traditional Malaya headgear as souvenir. Mohd Ghazali, 70, says the idea came to him in 1997 when the couple began to produce attractively designed tengkolok for sale. The business was launched on a small scale and gradually expanded over the years. "We spent one year performing research and produced 10 royal tengkolok. Then after analysing the market, we set up our company, only to be overwhelmed by orders from the government, private agencies as well as individuals," he says. According to Mohd Ghazali, his company Khidmat Tani Minang Sdn Bhd sells tengkolok as gifts and souvenirs, which are each priced between RM70 (US$21.99)and RM900 (US$282.89). The company also receives support from the foreign ministry, tourism ministry as well as the ministry of information, communication and culture. Mohd Ghazali also recalls the company receiving a huge order from Malaysian Airlines (MAS) a few years ago. "At that time we had to recruit additional workers in order to meet the orders on time. Our tengkolok was also gifted to the leaders of 25 nations at the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Caucus) meet in Kuala Lumpur some years back," he adds. -- BERNAMA