Sekomandi from Sulawesi

Sekomandi

Architectural Hanging

The sekomandi textile has an ikat centre field and striped border panels. The ikat is always two panels sewn together in the middle, but the striped borders may be either separate panels or, as in this textile, woven with the ikat.

These large textiles are used to decorate traditional houses during ceremonies as a sign that the entire ritual cycle had been performed.

The primary motif on this textile, called dappu’, is shaped like a Maltese cross. Each cross is enclosed in a black field, making a complete and discrete motif that is harmonious and balanced even though its parts ‘move’ in different directions. However, within the motif, the breaks in the pattern remind us that within any relationship there will be the things that create disharmony and separation. We need to be aware of all these forces — that which holds us together, that which moves us apart, that which unifies us, and that which divides us — to avoid conflict.

Warp ikat, two panels stitched together, open fringes, commercial cotton, natural dyes. Ikat tied, dyed, woven in Mamuju, Sulawesi, 2019.

216 x 130 cm / 85 x 51 in