Octopus Story

The suplementary pattern on this womans sarong is called octopus motif it has eight levels the deceased must travel through to reach heaven - the realm of the divine ancestors. kurang refers to a lobster. The symbol of this motif is to remind people that like the lobster it is important to work together. It is a metaphor for a king who leads but always must set a good example for those who follow him. The tapestry-like supplementary motif is created during the weaving process. Textiles in Sumba have always functioned both as an indication of status and a means of ritual exchange. Colors and motifs worn still denote an individual's position in the island's complex social hierarchy. This textile combining these available decorative techniques, would mark its wearer as being of a high rank.

An extraordinary textile to hang or place on the end of a bed.

Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth.
Supplementary weave, two panels sewn together into a tube, commercial cotton, natural dyes. Dyed and woven in Petawang, East Sumba, 2023. Size 138 x 72 cm / 54.5 x 28.5 in