Ceremonial Boat Cloth

Tampan is a highly distinctive fabric made in Lampung, on the southern tip of Sumatra. Tampan is used as a tapestry during important ceremonies. Weft-backed structures are formed on the fabric’s beige plain muslin ground, with blue, brown, and yellow silk and gold threads for the floral weft. The main imagery consists of a ship dotted with people, sea spray, and other smaller boats. Both sides are richly embellished in wave and geometric patterns to provide the composition with enunciated contrast.