An Ikat panel woven from resist dyed cotton. With a central motif of Monitor Lizards in a soft, striking and warm palette of terracotta and indigo. The warp threads are bound at either end with a tabby rep woven border known as a Kabakil. 224cm x 107cm, Early to Mid Century circa 1950 or earlier.
This large Ikat from the Indonesian island of Sumba is a man’s mantle, known as a Hinggi. Textiles of this size can take up to 5 months to weave, involving three to ten people and 42 processes from beginning to end.
The Hinggi is made by weaving two identical vertical panels that are sewn together side-by-side. The top and bottom halves of the cloth are mirrored, ensuring the motifs hang correctly whether viewed from the front or the back. This symmetry is tied to Marapu, Sumba’s ancestral belief system in which paired forces, (male/female, sun/moon, life/death), are kept in balance through ritual. The same logic of balance appears in poetry, architecture, and textiles.*
Condition is overall excellent, some sun fading (mainly to the borders) and small areas of discolouration, no losses or damage. Please see images for full condition, additional images available here, or email for high resolution images.
*See https://kabisu.id/sumba-ikat-weaving/ and https://authentic-indonesia.com/activities/ikat-weaving/ for more information about Sumba’s Ikat making tradition.
UK Mainland shipping is £35 with standard parcel courier. Overseas buyers will need to contact for a bespoke shipping quote before ordering.
