The Baba and Nyona of Malaysia

Posted by Mari Nicholson Dec 8, 2006

The Baba and Nyonya people (Baba = male, Nyonya = female) of Malaysia, most of whom live in and around Malacca, are descendants of 500 or so maidens who arrived here in the 15th century as servants to a Chinese princess. The maids married Malays, and their descendants still maintain Chinese tradition as can be seen from the numerous Chinese Buddhist temples and the Baby & Nyonya restaurants that dot the area. Many of these descendants can trace their roots back to the 14th century and although their culture has declined somewhat since the end of the second world war, they still consider themselves the aristocrats of Malacca.

The Baby & Nyonya House in Jalan Tun Tun Cheng Lock, truly captures the spirit of these people. It is a treasure house full of carved screens, marble tables, cabinets of precious woods, silk wall hangings, pottery and porcelain, wedding costumes and funeral hangings.