Unraveling Jumputan

Jumputan is a resist tie-dyeing process known and used in Sumatra and Java. In Sumatra, jumputan is known by name 'pelangi' which translates as rainbow. In Java this 'jumputan' is called 'kain kembangan' or flower cloth because it would be dyed in the colors of flowers.

'Plangi / Kembangan' is resist dyeing process combining tie-dye and a technique called 'tritik' . 'Tritik' are made by stitching and gathering the textile before dyeing. 

You can see traces of 'tritik' here. There are traces of tiny holes where the cloth was punctured by needles in the paisley design shape. 

To compare, this is the result on regular tie-dye process would look like.

Jumputan, tie dye and tritik can sometimes be combined with batik technique like the brown, black, white dotted lines on the bottom side of this cloth. 

In Java, 'kain kembangan' would be wraped around a woman's torso. Each combinations of colors, design and technique has a symbolic reference to the ritual in which the cloth makes presence in an event. 

In old Palembang court attires, Jumputan pelangi stoles would have been worn as sashes draped around the torso; today they are draped over shoulder in social events.