Umbrella

Payung

Note: The following text is taken from a 19th-century collection catalog and, in its language and perspective, partially reflects colonial thought patterns. We present the text in its original version to make the collection's history transparent and promote a critical examination of the colonial legacy. Certain terms and formulations may be perceived as problematic today. A 2009 research project concluded that most descriptions are factually correct and still usable; only a few details were found to be inaccurate or incorrect. The results of this project were published in the following collection catalog: https://khm-wmw-tm-library.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1457155265

"440 - 441. Parasols - "Pajong"
Two large parasols of painted, oiled paper with a rod that is two meters long, which is carried by servants for the privileged Javanese. This large parasol is the sign of distinction among the Javanese native officials, showing rank and standing of the owner. Thus princes carry parasols which are made entirely of gold cloth, the highest officials have varied colored parasols, where the various rings or stripes of different colors show the rank and grade of these people. In some areas the European high officials also have parasols corresponding to their rank carried behind them by uniformed servants."