Royal Cloth

The Helong ethnic group of Kupang in West Timor were the original inhabitants of this area until the settlement of outsiders from Roti and Savu. In 2008 Theresia Alle Ngaing was in her 60s and one of the last Helong weavers and natural dyers when Threads of Life met her. Over the years of working together she was able to pass on her dye plant knowledge and the traditional structure of Helong textiles to her daughters and nieces assuring that the art would be continued.

This particular textile is locally called a sem beklobe or man's hipcloth which is worn proudly by Helong men today as well as being used as gift exchanges at marriages and funerals. The central motif on this textile is called ke ulan motif or a bird of prey whose song is said to foretell a change in seasons.

This textile is a lovely wall hanging or a throw on a bed or a couch. Imagine wrapping up in it on a chilly evening.

Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth.
Warp ikat, three panels stitched together, twisted fringe natural dyes. Ikat tied, dyed and woven in Helong, Timor, 2023. Size 226 x 103 cm / 89 x 40.5 in