This beautiful Lau pahikung was woven on the island of Sumba, Indonesia.
It refers to a turbular sarong with supplementary warp patterning. This tapestry like supplementary motif is created during the weaving process.
Perfect as a wonderful ethnic wall hanging or boho and eclectic interior decor.
Suitable as soft furnishings too. If opened up will make a beautiful bed cover or blanket.
▪︎72cm x 133cm (28" x 52.5")
when sewn on one side like a tube.
▪︎new
▪︎full natural dye
▪︎commercial cotton
▪︎manual application of colours to motifs called ndatta
▪︎do not wash. Spot or dry clean only
▪︎ABOUT
Pahikung is a weaving technique used on horizontal back tension looms that employs supplementary warps to embellish textiles with an infinite range of geometric and zoomorphic designs, many incorporating the rich iconography of Sumba Island.
Traditionally these were restricted to the maramba or nobility but today there are no longer any prohibitions of who can wear them. Nevertheless lau pahikung remain expensive and beyond the means of poor commoners.
It has been woven in three different sections and then joined to form a bigger piece.
Top - plain stripes which is usually the folded sections when worn.
Middle - in the' tangawahil' motif, which is the tray for sirih pinang or paan, served for every visiting guest. It is an important aspect in sumbese hospitality.
Bottom - In Kapaki Reanja, the dancing frog motif. Frog symbolises the arrival of heavy rain which is a source of life and abundant prosperity.
**pictures are very close representation of the colours but not 100% due to different light conditions and different viewing screens. Please sent me a message if you would like more informations.