Lau pahudu padua (woman's ceremonial sarong)

Date2014

Maker Tamu Rambu Hamu Eti Rindi, East Sumba, Indonesia, born 1964

Maker Ngguna Jilik Rindi, East Sumba, Indonesia, born 1930s

Maker Hiwa Ranja Rudung Prai Yawang, Rindi, East Sumba, Indonesia, born 1976

Maker Hawu Rimu Rindi, East Sumba, Indonesia, 1967-2019

Label TextIndonesian families, clans, and kingdoms maintain collections of textiles that are carefully stored and revealed when appropriate for ceremonies. This sarong was inspired by models kept in the collection of the artist and her husband, who was the reigning king of Prai Yawang. It prominently features the hundarangga motif, seen as oval enclosures, which is used only on textiles for the queen or other high officials. The motif is based on the pattern known as patola, which came to Indonesia on silk saris traded from India during the spice trade. Two bands of supplementary weft bring other motifs into view. At the top is wala, or flower bud, in a geometric matrix and near the bottom is kambiha njara, referring to the footprint of a horse.

Object number2022.43.12

ProvenanceThe artist; [Threads of Life, Bali, Indonesia]; purchased from organization by Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2022

Photo CreditPhoto: Scott Leen

Credit LineGuendolen Carkeek Plestcheeff Endowment for the Decorative Arts and the Indonesian Support Fund

Dimensions57 1/2 x 25 3/4 in. (146.1 x 65.4 cm)

MediumWarp ikat and floating warp patterning, commercial cotton, and natural dyes