Indonesian Textiles:  Ikats, Brocades & Batiks

Intricate warp-ikat fabrics have been produced by weavers throughout Indonesia for use as both ritual objects and prestige garments. The sacred textiles have been thought to have protective powers and played major roles in ceremonial events.

To create an ikat fabric, the artisan first stretches warp yarns on a frame, and binds selected areas with raffia.  The warp bundles are then dyed, producing resist patterns wherever the dye cannot penetrate.  Then selected areas are unbound, other areas are bound, and the yarns are immersed in a second dye bath.  Finally, the bindings are removed, the warp yarns are placed on a simple backstrap loom, and the fabric is woven with a plain weft. Through this painstaking process, sophisticated textile art is produced with both drama and subtlety. 

The brocaded pieces included here, whether silk, cotton or metallic, were all hand-woven. The batiks were drawn by hand, first on one side of the fabric, then repeated on the back.  Then the fabric was dyed. For a second color, new design portions were waxed and the dyeing repeated.. 

A few Javanese leather shadow puppets are included below. For more information on these, read about the Wayang Kulit theater.

Click on inventory numbers below to see photos of complete pieces or larger details.  For other textiles, go to our HOME page.