Heron and Poisonous bush

This exquisite ikat textile is called hinggi are designed as two parts that are joined in the center with an almost invisible seam. They are worn in identical pairs during a man's lifetime, folded over the shoulder and wrapped about the hips. Individual design elements perform practical functions, the qualities associated with each motif augmenting the wearer's personal power during life and aiding his journey to the next world after death. Motifs are usually arranged in three to five bands of varying width. The design traditionally announced a man's social status.

The bird motif with curved head is nggokaria is a heron or egret. Wala Mangata is a poisonous bush that is planted around a field to keep birds away. The octopus motif has eight limbs which is symbolic of the eight levels the deceased must travel through to reach heaven the realm of the divine ancestors.

Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth.
Warp ikat, two panels sewn together, commercial cotton, natural dyes, kabakil striped edging and twisted fringe. Ikat tied, dyed and woven in Sumba, 2023. Size 290 x 116 cm / 114 x 45.5 in