Spice Trade Symbols

Known as a senai, this narrow one panel textile is worn by women in Lembata over their shoulder or around their neck to complete their traditional dress.

If features two motifs that embody the island’s rich maritime culture. The kelapa motif, which any weaver is permitted to create, is the toolbox used to make and repair boats in the island’s south. In the village of Lamalera, boats with palm leaf sails, known as peledang, are rowed by 13 men in search of large prey. They are symbolized by a motif that will only be found in the bands at the head and foot of the cloth.

Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth.
Warp Ikat, single panel, twisted fringe, commercial cotton, natural dyes. Ikat tied, dyed and woven in Wulandoni, Lembata, 2018. 162 x 19 cm / 64 x 7.5 in