Elders Wisdom as Art

Sabu is a small island to the west of Timor. The people of this island have a strong culture and while many have converted to Christianity the traditional belief system – Jingi Tiu still prevails. All ceremonies related to land management are overseen by traditional leaders called Mone Ama. 

Textiles are an important aspect of ceremonial life. This cloth called higi wo hapi and is worn by a high priest Deo Rai or elder for rituals. The white ikat motif on this textile is called happi, is a motif that flanks other motifs. It is an essential motif on the hig’i wo happi.

It can be used as a bed throw or shawl or placed on a table.

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 Sabu, 2019. Size 198 x 80 cm / 78 x 31.5 in