Warrior's Ritual

Woven by the Dayak Desa women of Sintang regency in West Kalimantan, kain bidang is a single panel ikat textile. This textile is an important part of ceremonies, offerings are placed on it or it may be used to wrap an offering. The mordanting process to achieve the red dye requires many different foraged plants and must be performed with a ritual. Dayak textiles have long been regarded for their unique designs, many of which were inspired by dreams.

This textile has two different motifs, Tiang Kebuk and Lintah Temuku. Tiang Kebuk refers to a peg or pillar that is used during construction. Ropes are tied to the peg, a syste, which is used to support and strengthen buildings. Lintah Temuku is a leech and is symbolic of the head warrior who is very courageous and will protect the community during war.

Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth.
Warp ikat, commercial cotton, single panel, twisted fringe, natural dyes. Ikat, tied, dyed and woven in Sintang, Kalimantan, 2024. Size 150 x 53 cm / 59 x 21 in