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Technique: Warp ikat with various orange-brown beads and nassa shells.
Comment: Lawo butu are garments of great ceremonial significance. They are worn tied at the shoulder (the remains of the ties are visible) and would have been worn only by a mature woman of the highest rank. The wide ikat bands show a man holding two horses, a small figure or child and a smaller horse standing by his side. This unit is followed by another figure with one horse, a figure, a horse and child, and a small horse followed by a lone figure. In other words all the elements appearing on the front section are repeated individually as the ikat panel moves to the back of the garment.
There are fewer beads and shells on this lawo butu than on some other examples. They are presented in the usual six-point orientation, but are minus the center rhombic form. While the more minimal amount of decoration most likely refers to lesser status or financial ability, the overall aesthetic effect is stunning. See "Gift of the Cotton Maiden", pages 108 and 109.
Condition: Good, some slight staining on the front, a native patch 1 3/4" (4.5cm), wear along the top and bottom
Dimensions: 4' 9" x 2' 8" ( 1.45 x 0.81 m ), tubular
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