Ceremonial Cloth
Kota Bumi district, South Sumatra, Abung people, 19th century
Description: A rare type of embroidered textile. The few other known examples (see Maxwell, "Textiles of Southeast Asia", page 202) are all in this square four-directional format. They have the appearance of a mandala and it is certainly possible that this format has survived since Buddhism came to Sumatra in the 4th century. The placement of an eight-petaled lotus flower in the center also speaks to this connection. Trees grow from each corner and an elephant stands as guardian on either side. The shiny silk floss embroidery appears to float on the surface of the deep indigo ground, both emphasizing the tactile qualities of the other.
Technique: Silk floss embroidery on indigo dyed cotton ground
Dimensions: 19" x 19" ( .48 x .48 m ), hard-mounted
#19823
