Summary

Alternative Names: Songkok, cap
Traditional Indonesian men's kopiah, an example of traditional Muslim clothing sold by Zurlia Istiviani Usman in her store House of EMAAN in Sydney Road Brunswick, 2007 (the store relocated to Coburg and renamed EMAAN). It is made from black velour featuring decorative embroidery in gold, blue and white thread.

Zurlia Istiviani Usman arrived in Australia on a scholarship in 1988, followed soon after by her husband Gofar and daughter. Returning to Indonesia in 1992 after their visas expired they re-returned on temporary visas and obtained permanent residency in 1996. Zurlia opened an Islamic clothes store in Sydney Road Brunswick in 2003 (now EMAAN in Sydney Road Coburg) and since 2018 it has been managed by one of her five daughters Anisa who has evolved and broadened the business. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the family has adapted the kinds of goods sold, including becoming an international mask supplier using local ethical manufacturing for the first time.

Physical Description

Black velour kopiah with stiffened sides and soft cap with embroidered eyelet at centre. Edge of the fabric is embroidered in a decorative wave pattern in white, pale brown, blue and black embroidery thread. Elliptical design with points at front and back. Lined in polyester and cotton.

Significance

Statement of Historical Significance:
This collection provides an important insight into the development of small businesses catering particularly for Muslim communities, and more particularly women. It also documents how a small business has coped during the Covid-19 pandemic. The story also represents the contemproary migration and settlement story of a family of Muslim-Indonesian background.

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