Deep Reds and Fish Motifs

These glorious cushion covers are made up of a traditional cloth woven in Malaka in West Timor using natural dyes and traditional ikat motifs. The red dye process is the most time consuming process of all dyes as roots of barks are pounded, squeezed and threads repeatedly dyed until the desired red is achieved. The solid coloured backing is made by the weavers in East Sumba using the brilliant indigo dye process.

The motif on this cushion is called ika nuifa which refers to a fish skeleton. Fish and underwater animals are taboo for some clans and they are not allowed to eat such animals as they are considered to have a kin relationship to this animal. All clans in Timor have totems of plants, animals, rocks and spring - a deep connection to all life.

These handmade handspun natural dyed cushions would be exquisite on a couch, chair or bed. Each cushion cover comes with an inner lining with zipper so all that is required is for you to add the Dacron and enjoy your handmade pillow. 

Ikat with natural dyes on cotton and woven in Timor, 2019. Size 54 x 29 cm / 21.5 x 11.5 in Price per piece