The woven ground of this ceremonial skirt in stripy brick and cherry red with contrasting indigo is adorned with bandwidths of bamboo shoot motifs. Called pucuk rebung, these are symbolic of fertility or new growth. The skirt has a tumpal border of isosceles triangles.

 

These elements frame a whimsical parade of curious motifs. The couching on the indigo panel features abstracted flowers or slices of breadfruit. These are interspersed with winged monsters or even stylised human figures with outstretched arms, riding mythical beasts. 

 

Tapis – ceremonial tubular skirt (cotton, plain weave, couching, sequins), Lampung, South Sumatra

Kindly lent by Kadar and Anton Lucas