Tindulang, woven with pandan leaves dyed purple and green, is a traditional craft of Brunei Darussalam. It is also known locally as tudung dulang, sharing its name with a popular local song.
It is believed to have originated from Senkurong and Tanjung Nangka, about 17 kilometers southwest of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam. Visitors can be forgiven for initially mistaking tindulang for sirahung, the hats traditionally worn by fishermen, but their original purpose is a plate cover, keeping hungry bugs away from the family’s food.
As people began to adopt a more modern lifestyle, the role of tindulang too underwent a series of changes. For those who stick to the traditional lifestyle, the tindulang is still used as a plate cover, but those living in a residential environment relatively free from bugs often use it as a decorative wall hanging.
Tindulang come in a variety of colors and patterns, with each family having their own distinct aesthetic. Indeed the practice was born from Bruneian women crafting the covers as they waited for their husbands to return from the fields and the sea. As such, the tindulang is more than just a humble plate cover, it preserves the very essence and beauty of Brunei Darussalam’s daily life.