The Power of a Deer & a Flower

The exquisite sharpness of the white motifs on this deep blue indigo blanket is a mark of a master weaver who takes great pride in her work. Her careful and tedious tying the threads with binds of palm fiber that will resist the repeated application of indigo dyeing is remarkable. The indigo is well finished with no lingering smell of the process which makes it safe to put on your couch or use as a bed throw. The main motif is wala mangata is a poisonous flower and is often planted around a crop to keep birds away. Ruha is a deer pattern that symbolizes the high caste or royals of Sumba. Mahang means lion is derived from the image of rampant lions found on Dutch coins. It represents power and bravery.

The village of Hama Parengu where this cloth is made maintains its animistic ties to the Marapu or ancestral beliefs where they continue to following the traditional ways of caring for the land and maintaining strong social ties.

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, 2025. Size 298 x 115 cm / 117.5 x 45.5 in