This textile is likely the product of intermarriage between different ethnic groups. The columnar orientation has parallels with men’s cloths from Savu. However, its elements may have been influenced by other East Nusa Tenggara islands such as Flores, Rote or Ndao. A modern composition, the chemical dyes suggest this design was designed for sale.

 

The lush, loose warp threads are evidence of the physical act of their interlocking, which brought into being the cloth’s body. This weave in itself forms a subtle pattern – a sculptural one. Savu weavers believe a cloth possesses breath and emotions, with each line of thread like a vein.

 

Open spaces are left in the weave to allow the piece to breathe. Woven on a back tension loom, the action of working the yarn sets up a constant rhythm. 

 

Woven cloth (cotton), non-specific origin (probably East Nusa Tenggara region)

Kindly lent by Kadar and Anton Lucas