Regeneration & Renewal

Known as tais maruka, this textile is a three-part tubular skirt worn by young women during traditional ceremonies in the Malaka regency of Timor. The primary motif is called umek po’at which means to a python. Snakes are very significant in local belief systems throughout the archipelago as they are able to transform by regenerating new skin.

The deep rust-red is typical of textiles from this region, and achieving it requires mastery of the time consuming red dye and mordanting techniques. The threads are repeatedly dyed up to 30 times to achieve this rich classic colour.

This cloth would be ideal as a wall hanging or bed throw.

Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth.
Warp ikat, supplementary warp patterning, three panels stitched together and sewn as a tube, commercial cotton, natural dyes. Ikat tied, dyed and woven in Malaka, Timor, 2024. Size 124 x 57 cm / 49 x 22.5 in