Classic Mud Patterns

In a remote, mountainous region of Central Sulawesi, young women of the To Mangki Karataun ethnic group will create two of these textiles simultaneously, tying the pattern onto threads, dyeing the threads, and then weaving them into cloth. Taking up to two months to complete, the income the weavers receive from the sale of these pieces can can help their families substantially.

Predating the use of reds and blues among this ethnic group, the colorfast black and white design is achieved by repeated dying in tannins from the Homolanthus sp. plant and mud. The primary motif on this textile lelen sepu is a betelnut container which refers to the need to create social harmony.

Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth.
Warp ikat, single panel, open fringe, commercial cotton, natural dyes. Ikat tied, dyed and woven in Mamuju, Sulawesi, 2023. Size 188 x 19 cm / 74 x 7.5 in