Cheteria

The Cheteria are a group of royal dignitaries within the Sultanate of Brunei whose position ranks below the Wazir (Vizier) but above the Manteri.

The Pengiran Shahbandar Sahibul Bandar, traditionally function as the minister of commerce, was the highest-ranking representative in this group.

[3] Majapahit's dominance started to decline in the early 15th century, and Brunei became an independent nation in 1408.

[6] Although titles are still awarded today, the functions that they entail have changed to reflect the needs of the contemporary political structure.

Gradations of precedence may also be shown by a person's sitting arrangement, whereby those on the right are sat higher than those on the left.

[14] Invested officials' ceremonial attire during royal court events indicates their position.

Some leaders' personal standards serve as pretty accurate markers of their position and level of authority.

Only the Cheteria, the traditional noble officials, are outfitted in ceremonial dress costumes for royal court events.

Every level of the Cheteria's traditional textiles has the same pattern and design, but rank is distinguished by a change in colour.

The fabric features a Jong sarat pattern embroidered with the flying fox motif, or bunga cheteria bersiku keluang.

[16] Copper, silver, and gold items used in royal ceremonies reveal the rank and identity of the owner.

Items such as the keris (Malay dagger) and kaskol (gold betel container)[17] were given to royal dignitaries who received the title of Wazir, Cheteria, and Manteri.