Bali
East Timor
Java
Sumba
West Timor
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Weavings - In this category we include all textiles, whether batik, songket, ikat, buna or sotis. These textiles are the original reason for my fascination with Indonesia. The incredible variety of colors, motifs and techniques in Bali and the islands to the east of Bali is simply mind-boggling.
West Timor has the most abundant variety of textiles. Ikat weaving, alone or combined with buna or sotis techniques reaches amazing heights of color and complexity. Motifs are often very localized to clans and/or villages. Intermarriage has blurred these distinctions a bit but many divisions are very recognizable. The Timorese are also enamored of bright colors and this has induced many to utilize the wide range of colors available in aniline dyes.
Flores Island, on the other hand, is well renowned for the wonderful use of natural dyes. These include indigo for blue and black, turmeric for yellow, morinda bark for red and brown, and green from mango leaves. Combinations of these different plants can give many colors and shades but does involve more work and a lot of experience, so it is easy to understand the move to chemical dyes. |
9480 Picture Rocks Road