During the reign of the Sultans of Brunei before the 19th century, there was currency featuring a cat figure as the main symbol. This cat figure, which is still one of the royal insignia of Brunei, symbolizes the diplomatic relationship with the major power of that time, namely Mainland China. Additionally, the use of Jawi script on the currency reflects that Jawi script has long been rooted in Brunei Malay civilization, highlighting the continuity of cultural traditions that span hundreds of years. However, the implied meaning behind this cat figure remains uncertain, particularly in the context of its symbolic significance to Brunei at that time. Therefore, this study aims to identify the influence and symbolism contained in currency during the reigns of Sultan Nassaruddin (the 15th Sultan), Sultan Kamaluddin (the 16th Sultan), and Sultan Alaudin (the 17th Sultan). This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach based on iconographic theory to analyze the visual elements on old currency. The study results show that the cat symbol on Brunei's currency has a strong influence from Chinese culture, reflecting significant diplomatic and cultural relations during that era. The findings of this study not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the function of old currency as historical documents and cultural studies but also open up opportunities for the development of an automatic identification system for old currency. This innovation is expected to facilitate the preservation, analysis, and research of Brunei's historical currency in the future.

Authors:
Md. Fadhali Rabaha, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
Mohd. Yuszaidy Mohd. Yusoff, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia

About the Presenter(s)
Md Fadhali Rabaha is a manager at Brunei Darussalam Central Bank with a deep passion for collecting ancient coins, particularly those from Brunei. With a collection of over 800 coins, his interest extends beyond mere collecting—he actively explores the artistry and cultural significance behind their designs. This passion has led him to pursue academic research in the field, bridging numismatics with history and art. His ultimate dream is to author a comprehensive book on Brunei’s ancient coins, preserving their legacy as a valuable reference for future generations.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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