SarongUnit Pengelola Museum Seni

What is Sarong?

sarong or sarung  is a large tube or length of fabric, often wrapped around the waist. Throughout history the world has known the sarong by different names. The use of sarongs are varied, from casual day-to-day use to ceremonials such as wedding. It is used by both men and women. Young and old.

sarung 0698Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

In Indonesia the wearer usually steps into the tube, pulling the sides up around the body. Sarung is popular as nightwear for men. It can also be used to carry various item. Sarung is also used for baby cradle. For seaman  is used for protection during sea breeze sailing at night. 

Tubular Wrap / Kain Sarung 0709Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

1. Day to day sarong

A day to day sarong would be similar to something like this. It accompanies young and old to commune with one another over coffee and a game of chess or as blanket for sleeping.

Buya Bomba Kota' Sarong (ca. 20th Century)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

2. Donggala sarong

The featured sarong was decorated through double-ikat weaving technique. The design are stark white squares in colored framework, is named bomba kota . Donggala sarong should only be worn at weddings, and traditional ceremonies. 

Sapik Udang Sarong (ca. 20th Century)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

3. Sapik udang, the silver lining

This West Sumatran sarong is a unique sarong. It was a gift from a mother in-law to daughter in-law in 1915. It became a family heirloom ever since. That's not all...

The sarong uses silver thread as its main warp. 

Lipa' Sarong (1901/2000)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

4. Majene, sarong that fits into small bottle

A majene sarong originated in West Sulawesi, it is native to Bugis people. This sarong has silk like lustre but is actually made from Abaca fiber. It is known to be so thinly woven an entire sarong could fit into a small glass bottle and sold as such. 

Bakan Inelak (1901/2000)Unit Pengelola Museum Seni

5. Bakan Inelak

Bakan inelak is native to Mollucas Islands where ikat is not in any way related to traditional beliefs and customs, apart from the use of ikat textiles as part of bridal exchanges. Bakan Inelak would be worn as a day-to-day use. 

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The Fabric of Life
Explore centuries of traditional Indonesian textiles, from Batiks to Ikats
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