Textiles

A couple from Lampung in traditional costume during the colonial period.

Ceremonial cloth Late 19 th century Cotton 30x27 1/4 inches

19th century Indonesia, Sumatra, Lampung province, Piya, Wai Ratai River region Cotton, L. 31 x W. 28 1/2 in. (78.7 x 72.4 cm)

Ceremonial textile (palepai) late 19th century, Indonesia Overall: 135 x 27 in. (3 m cm x cm) Cotton and metal-wrapped cotton yarn

 Lampung textiles were known as 'ship cloths' because ships are a common motif. The ship motif represents the transition from one realm of life to the next, for instances from childhood to and adult, from being single to married and also represents the final transition to the afterlife.  They were worn or displayed during ceremonies or used as dowry items.  Gifts presented during marriages were wrapped in the tampan.

Traditional weaving tools.