From Cradle to Grave

Presence of traditional textiles in one's wheel of life

By Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

Lurik (1975)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

When life begins

Ever since a mother is expecting a child, there are number of milestones where a community would together do ceremonies, prayers and celebration. On the 7th month a Javanese mother would go through a ceremony where she switch through six layers of batiks and one lurik.

#0122 Kain Tenun Lurik (1975)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

First come layer of Lurik

Lurik is Javanese word for simple woven cloth with weft stripes, warp stripes or warp and weft tartan like patterns.

Plain as they maybe, lurik is an essential part of Central Javanese ritual life. They are seen to bring fertility, protecting against evil and for health.

Kamben Cepuk Sari (ca. Early 20th Century)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

Entering adulthood

In Balinese culture, when a child is considered entering adulthood, there will be a potong gigi (tooth cutting ceremony). This piece of cloth called Kamben Cepuk Sari would be used in such ceremony.

Kamben Cepuk Sari (ca. Early 20th Century)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

The tooth cutting ceremony symbolizes a child entering adulthood. Usually in the age of 11-13 years old. Contrary to its name, the teeth aren't being cut but rather slightly honed.

Kain Tenun Kling (1960/1970)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

Entering adulthoon the person is said to be ready to control sad ripu or six enemy ; kama meaning will, lobha meaning greed, krodha meaning anger, moha meaning doubt, mada meaning intoxication and finally matsarya meaning envy.

Kewatek Nai Rua (1901/2000)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

Wedding ceremonies

Weddings are seen not only as festivity but also a solemnity. It not only binds two souls together but a cause for families and community to bond over. This piece Kewatek Nai Rua was an important gift between families in East Nusa Tenggara.

Kewatek Nai Rua (1901/2000)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

Pori Situtu'

This weaving is distinct style of South Sulawesi. Pori means to tie and situtu indicates that this cloth is used for covering. This cloth is used in a death ceremony. The cloth would be used to cover body of the deceased.

Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

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