Woven Tales of Indonesia : Tapis

By Google Arts & Culture

#0221 Kain TapisUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Tapis, a Sumatran heirloom

Lampung province lies on the southern tip of the island of Sumatra. The region is renown for its rich weaving tradition notably the ceremonial tubeskirt called tapis.

Tapis ClothUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

Tapis cloth is made from weaving of cotton with stripes motif. The weaving is then combined with hand embroidery of golden and silver threads.

The motifs often used are florals, but with this cloth, the weaver decorates the tapis with man, animals and mythical creatures. 

Traditionally, tapis is worn as a sarong for weddings and welcoming ceremonies. Many would also hang the cloth as a wall decoration. 

More collection on traditional textiles from Lampung.

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