Protective Motif Shield

The motif on this stunning songket made with all-natural dyes is a remake of a cloth is called tamiyang. Some say that this motif is a reference to a chakra which is an Indian throwing weapon which was used by Lord Vishnu in Indian tales. However, the word tamiyang is the actual name of the motif which is the Balinese name for a shield. In either case the connotation is that of protection.

Songket is a supplementary weft technique, the motif being created in the base weave during weaving. The pattern is defined by 200 extra heddles. Each of these lifts only those warp threads under which the supplementary weft must pass at a given point in the design. As weaving progresses, the pattern heddle in use changes and the design develops. Paired songket are worn by both sexes as wedding attire or during tooth filing rituals.

Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth.
Supplementary weft patterning, two panels sewn together, silk threads used as base with cotton threads as patterning, natural dyes. Made in Bali, 2020. Size 184 x 102 cm / 72.5 x 40 in