Ikat Textile From Lembata Stunning Tribal Motifs, Indonesia C. 1920

Details

Description

This handwoven ikat textile comes from Lembata Island, Indonesia, where it was traditionally crafted as a tubular waist skirt (sarong) … Read more This handwoven ikat textile comes from Lembata Island, Indonesia, where it was traditionally crafted as a tubular waist skirt (sarong) worn in both everyday life and ritual contexts. Woven on a traditional loom using resist-dyed threads, the cloth is defined by its layered horizontal banding and finely detailed motifs, expressed in deep indigo, charcoal, aubergine, soft gold, and muted rose tones.

The subtle patterning within the stripes reflects the distinctive aesthetic of Lembata ikat, where rhythm, balance, and restrained symbolism take precedence over bold figuration. Variations in dye saturation and weave density reveal the hand of the maker and the slow, intentional process behind its creation.

In a contemporary setting, this textile functions beautifully as a decorative throw, bringing depth, warmth, and quiet complexity to an interior. Draped over a sofa, layered at the foot of a bed, or displayed as a wall hanging, it offers a timeless way to incorporate color, texture, and cultural heritage into modern living spaces. See less