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War jacket (1907.75.24) 

IndonesiaIndonesiaWar jacket from Kalimantan, Indonesia, Asia. Collected by H. L. Chittenden. Purchased by the Museum from him in 1907.


This bark cloth war jacket or jerkin is known as a kalambi. It dates from the late 19th century and was collected in the area of the Mahakam River in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo. It may have belonged to the Kayan, historically a head-hunting group. Since it offers little protective value, it was most likely a decorative or status item. According to native custom, each of the three hornbill feathers represents a head taken in raiding.


The jacket is also decorated with beads and 'Turkey Red' cloth. 'Turkey Red' is the name given to dyeing cotton with alzarine to produce a bright orange-red colour. This process originated historically in the Levant in the Middle East.