Anyone know what this is?

[Brian]

Friend sent me these pics, they were sent to him by someone else. Not of interest to me, and I don't even know if it's Japanese. But I said I would ask and see if anyone knows exactly what this is?
Thanks in advance. I am sure someone here will know.
 

 

[Kiipu]

Another one for Trystan to look at.

[mecox]

Apparently it is Chinese, and most are names.   But no idea of the purpose. 

[BANGBANGSAN]

On 1/17/2026 at 9:05 AM, Kiipu said:

Another one for Trystan to look at.

 @BANGBANGSAN

This could possibly be a merit robe from a Chinese secret society (會道門）, such as the 洪門 Hongmen or other 三合會 triad groups. Aside from several names, one of them is 光耀南非“Illuminating South Africa,” which suggests that it belonged to a branch based in South Africa.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongmen

 

Edited 15 hours ago by BANGBANGSAN

[Brian]

Thank you Trystan!

[BANGBANGSAN]

22 minutes ago, Brian said:

Thank you Trystan!

My pleasure