Significance and functions of decorative ornaments on child modesty discs: A cultural psychological exploration

Abstract

Culture and cultural artefacts are passed down as hereditary assets from one generation to the next to foster a sense of continuity and identity, forming a bridge from the past, through the present, and into the future. Despite their significance, these artefacts are often neglected and underestimated. One such cultural artefact is the child modesty disc, which is adorned with decorative ornaments; tied around children’s waists that reflect the unique differences between communities and cultures. This article aims to shed light on the functions of these ornaments, and the explicit and implicit knowledge related to child modesty disc. A photo survey was conducted using semi-nominal group techniques and semi-structured interviews, where 25 photos were presented to 20 respondents to identify commonly used child modesty discs, vegetation motifs, and the meanings of their ornaments. The eight plus one framework was used to formulate interview questions and define the cultural artefact’s functions. The findings indicate that every ornament or motif on a child modesty disc has explicit and implicit meanings and serves multiple functions. Overall, this study highlights the importance of preserving and understanding cultural artefacts as a means of honoring our ancestors and maintaining our cultural heritage.