Rare Ikat Textile From Sumba Stunning Tribal Motifs & Colors, Indonesia C. 1950

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This mid-20th century ikat textile from East Sumba, Indonesia is a powerful expression of Sumbanese textile tradition, renowned for its … Read more This mid-20th century ikat textile from East Sumba, Indonesia is a powerful expression of Sumbanese textile tradition, renowned for its bold iconography and ceremonial significance. Handwoven using the ikat resist-dye technique, the cloth displays a deep indigo ground enlivened by finely articulated motifs whose softened edges reflect the mastery and patience of the weaving process.

The composition is organized in horizontal registers, featuring stylized anthropomorphic figures, animals, and sacred tree-like forms, motifs closely associated with ancestral belief systems and the cosmology of East Sumba. Areas of delicate hand embroidery add a subtle dimensional quality, enriching the surface with texture and highlighting select details within the pattern.

Naturally aged, the textile has developed a beautiful patina, with nuanced tonal variations that speak to its history and use. Originally worn as part of traditional dress and ceremonial attire, this piece now stands as a compelling collectible or wall-mounted textile, balancing cultural depth with a strong, graphic presence well suited to contemporary interiors. See less