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Indonesia | Early 20th C ikat shoulder cloth (lafa)

Indonesia, Rote, 1900-1920

Handspun cotton, botanical indigo and morinda dyes, warp ikat

A fine antique ikat shoulder cloth made up of two panels, stitched together along  ...
Indonesia | Early 20th C ikat shoulder cloth (lafa)

Indonesia, Rote, 1900-1920

Handspun cotton, botanical indigo and morinda dyes, warp ikat

A fine antique ikat shoulder cloth made up of two panels, stitched together along  ...
Indonesia | Early 20th C ikat shoulder cloth (lafa)

Indonesia, Rote, 1900-1920

Handspun cotton, botanical indigo and morinda dyes, warp ikat

A fine antique ikat shoulder cloth made up of two panels, stitched together along  ...
Indonesia | Early 20th C ikat shoulder cloth (lafa)

Indonesia, Rote, 1900-1920

Handspun cotton, botanical indigo and morinda dyes, warp ikat

A fine antique ikat shoulder cloth made up of two panels, stitched together along  ...
Indonesia | Early 20th C ikat shoulder cloth (lafa)

Indonesia, Rote, 1900-1920

Handspun cotton, botanical indigo and morinda dyes, warp ikat

A fine antique ikat shoulder cloth made up of two panels, stitched together along  ...
Indonesia | Early 20th C ikat shoulder cloth (lafa)

Indonesia, Rote, 1900-1920

Handspun cotton, botanical indigo and morinda dyes, warp ikat

A fine antique ikat shoulder cloth made up of two panels, stitched together along  ...
Indonesia | Early 20th C ikat shoulder cloth (lafa)

Indonesia, Rote, 1900-1920

Handspun cotton, botanical indigo and morinda dyes, warp ikat

A fine antique ikat shoulder cloth made up of two panels, stitched together along  ...
Indonesia | Early 20th C ikat shoulder cloth (lafa)

Indonesia, Rote, 1900-1920

Handspun cotton, botanical indigo and morinda dyes, warp ikat

A fine antique ikat shoulder cloth made up of two panels, stitched together along  ...
Indonesia | Early 20th c ikat shoulder cloth (lafa)

Indonesia, Rote, 1900-1920

Handspun cotton, botanical indigo and morinda dyes, warp ikat

A fine antique ikat shoulder cloth made up of two panels, stitched together along the selvedges. It bears the quintessential Rote lattice of blossoms, leaves and sprigs in the centerfield, woven in cream with red highlights on a deep blue-black ground. The design is distinctive for the way its lattice is sketched, but allows sprigs and buds to interrupt the diagonal lines in a nice balance of geometrical and organic composition. There are more buds than flowers, suggesting spring.

The double borders are traditional, the inner a row of flowers turned in alternate directions, and the outer a characteristic row of triangles (tumpal) bearing a blossom at the top—these motifs are sometimes said to represent conical rice cakes. At the ends and warp middle line, a row of triangles provides a contrasting sharp serrated edge to the floral centrefield. The long, rich red corded fringes are a vibrant, decorative touch typical of Rote ikats.

Context: James Fox explains that on the small island of Rote just off the western tip of Timor, the dyeing and weaving of cloth by women is the direct counterpart to the building and roofing of houses by men. According to the myths, both activities have similar origins, and one activity may not begin while the other is in progress. Like the houses, the designs and motifs of traditional cloth distinguish the social group, class, and political domain of the wearer. Yet there is considerable room for personal creativity, and no two pieces have the same design. The floral grid derived from Indian silk patola trade cloths dates from the 17th century and is particularly popular in West Rote. (‘Roti, Ndao and Savu’ in Textile Traditions of Indonesia, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1977, 97-104.)

Provenance: Estate of Nancy Kott, former head of the Texas Historical Commission, and Curtis Tunnell, former director of Texas State Historical Commission. Purchased at the estate auction.

The textile is in excellent for its age. The colours have softened with age but are still warm and clear. The handspun cloth is medium weight, slightly stiff, with a grainy texture.

65 cm x 204 cm including the fringes at each end.















price:  SOLD