Indonesian Art - Antique Tubular Ikat Sarong

Indonesian Art - Antique Tubular Ikat Sarong

Homespun yarn and natural dyes work together to form this traditional womanâs sarong on the Island of Sabu in Indonesia. Using the warp ikat method of weaving, the complex pattern is created by tying a dye resistant material at intervals around the yarn. This produces a blurry effect, somewhat like enlarged pixels. Two pieces of fabric, hand woven on a backstrap loom, are sewn together by hand to form a larger piece. The long sides are then hand sewn together to form the tube. The sarong is worn high over the breast, fastened in a way that displays the upper ikat motif. A rope is tied around the waist to hold the sarong in place.

The ground colors, white, brown and blue black, are determined by the available plants that are used for dying. The intensity of color will vary from village to village. Because of its age, the colors are faded but still beautiful. The ground color is black with a rust-color background for the design areas. There are narrow horizontal bands in teal, which were probably green when the fabric was first woven. Men and womenâs sarongs are differentiated by motif. This particular sarong uses a floral motif for the main theme.

Sarongs such as these are quite often cut up and sewn into bags and garments (hats, shirts, pants, jackets) in islands such as Bali and Java where they are sold to tourists or Western importers. However, the sarong stands alone as a distinctive textile. As a wall hanging, it would introduce warmth and texture to any room in your home or in an office.