Abstract:
Tengkolok is a unique head covering for Malay men and it is still worn to this very day.However, its
adornment only is limited to certain functions and events. With this, this articleis written to document in
further detail the binders of the Malay-inherited tengkolok especiallyin the state of Perak DarulRidzuan.
Some questions need to be answered, such as ‘who arethe tengkolok binders in Perak?’, ‘how are the
tengkolok-folding techniques used?’ and ‘whatare the etiquettes and taboo in the making of
tengkolok?’. Offering explanation, aqualitative cultural approach will be adopted. Both interview and
observation will be used toobtain data wither in writing or visually. The observation done has
suggested that there arefour tengkolok binders who are still active in Perak. Each of them has their
own respectivetengkolok folding techniques. This article will discuss the work of these binders, their
foldingtechniques, the manner and etiquettes as well as the taboo in tengkolok-making. It
isanticipated that this article would be able to catch the interest of researchers especiallythose studying
Malay textiles and clothing also the younger generation in order for themknow tengkolok better and at
the same time to learn this skill. Our observation is also ofhigh value as it is able to contribute to the
sustainability of tengkolok-binding heritage thathas long been of ‘low-profile and not really
popularised among the younger peoplenowadays. The documentation of this tengkolok binder would
serve as one of the ways toappreciate tengkolok-binders as part of the Malay priceless heritage
