Sumba's history of trade

This cushion cover is made by the weavers in Sumba using cotton fibers in a supplementary warp technique on a background that has been dyed with indigo dyes. The solid coloured back panel of this cushion is made from commercial cotton and woven by the community of weavers in sumba and dyed with indigo dyes.

The motif on this cushion is called Patola Ratu that refers to the long silk or cotton Indian trade cloth called Patola that was one of the currencies of the spice trade.

Supplementary warp technique with natural dyes on cotton and woven in Sumba, 2024. Size 42 x 35 cm / 16.5 x 14 in