Balong Ayam

Region: Perak & Selangor

Balong Ayam tanjak in black songket with gold weft, with an upright crest like a rooster’s comb.

The Rooster’s Comb

The Balong Ayam tanjak was historically worn by His Royal Highness the late Paduka Seri Sultan Yussuf Izzudin Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abdul Jalil of Perak, featuring a handwoven white base embroidered with rich golden-yellow thread. The name Balong Ayam, meaning “rooster’s comb,” refers to the distinctive crown-like crest atop the bird’s head—a symbol in Malay tradition of vigilance, pride, and honour. In the context of royal regalia, it embodies the qualities of leadership, courage, and readiness—a visual echo of the rooster’s role as guardian of the dawn and herald of awakening.

Balong Ayam

The Rooster’s Comb

Textile Description

This ceremonial tanjak is folded from a handmade songket textile woven in Kuala Terengganu, crafted from cotton using the supplementary weft technique. The plain weave is in Hitam Jebat (jet black), creating a dramatic contrast with the shimmering kencana (gold) threads that articulate its ornate surface. The badan kain (main field) displays the Teluk Berantai (chain-linked bays) pattern and a mirrored tip of Pucuk Rebung Lawi Ayam (bamboo shoot with rooster’s tail), accompanied by intricate motifs including Tampuk Manggis (mangosteen base), Buah Cermai (Malay gooseberry), Bunga Pecah Empat (four-petal flower), and Unduk-unduk Laut (seahorse).

The patak/kepala kain (centre panel) features Pucuk Rebung Berjuang (confronting bamboo shoots) and mirrored variations of Lawi Ayam, adorned with Pucuk Rebung Lawi Ayam, Bunga Bogan or Tiga Dara (bougainvillea/three sisters), Bunga Pecah Empat, and Bunga Kuih Potong Ladu (layered traditional sweets). The kaki kain (border) is embellished with regal motifs such as Pagar Istana (palace palisade), Tampuk Kecupu (button mangosteen base), and additional Kuih Potong Ladu forms—invoking cultural delicacy and ceremonial splendour.

Bearers

  • Paduka Seri Sultan Yussuf Izzudin Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abdul Jalil

RM 5,099