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

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This ikat textile from Sumba, Indonesia is a striking example of the island’s rich weaving tradition, celebrated for its bold … Read more This ikat textile from Sumba, Indonesia is a striking example of the island’s rich weaving tradition, celebrated for its bold narrative imagery and ceremonial importance. Handwoven using the ikat resist-dye technique, the cloth features a deep indigo ground layered with warm terracotta and ivory tones, creating a dramatic and rhythmic visual composition.

The textile is organized into horizontal registers populated with stylized horses, animals, and geometric motifs, imagery that holds deep cultural significance in Sumba, where the horse is a powerful symbol of status, vitality, and ancestral connection. The softened contours of the motifs reveal the hand-dyed process, while the subtle irregularities lend the piece a lively, organic character.

Naturally aged, the surface displays a beautiful patina and nuanced variations in color, reflecting both use and time. Once worn as part of traditional dress or reserved for ceremonial occasions, this textile now reads as a strong decorative object or wall-mounted artwork, offering a compelling fusion of history, craftsmanship, and graphic presence. See less