BADONG MODESTY COVER

This heart-shaped modesty cover from ancient Java, called a Badong, used as a symbol of chasteness and purity. Its reliefs depict a woman with her hair tied into a bun, wearing jewellery like bangles, a necklace and earrings, and covering part of her face with her left hand, as if in deep contemplation. On either side are additional embellishments, showing vegetal motifs, which resemble a shell. Judging from its shape and decorative design, this Badong was probably intended for a woman of noble descent, to be worn while her spouse was off hunting or at war.