Gerai Nusantara - Ikat Sumba
Description:
This weaving was made in 2014. It is called "hinggi kombu gajah" and is characterized predominantly by motifs of gajah (elephant) and patola bunga.
Kombu is the local name for Sumba weaving that is predominantly red-colored. This hand-woven ikat is made by the Paluanda Lama Hamu group from the indigenous peoples of Kambera, East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. The Patola Bunga motif, which is in the centre of the textile (above in the picture), symbolizes magnificence and friendship.
The Elephant motif is a symbol of strength and privilege. The making of this Sumba weaving uses the ikat lungsi technique. A piece of cloth is done by 5-7 people, where each person has a different role. There are 42 steps in producing the ikat Sumba weaving from gathering the cotton to the last finishing touches. They still use the natural coloring for the weaving. The red color is fermented from the root of noni (Morinda citrifolia), the blue color is fermented from the leaves of tarum (Indigofera tinctoria). Hinggi is the local name of weaving which is wide and long and is usually worn by males.
Materials: Tie Sumba
Dimensions: High 300 cm Wide 150 cm
Color: Varied