Lombok songket weaver (Photo via Shutterstock)

Batik is not the only pretty fabric we have in Indonesia.

  17 Mei 2017 12:15

We've heard about batik, but batik is not the only fabric Indonesia has. With hundreds of ethnic groups, Indonesia has thousands of colorful traditional fabrics all are equally beautiful and unique, each with its own meaning and values.

Here are some of Indonesia's most popular fabrics.

Batik

Indonesian Traditional Textiles  2017 brilio.net

One of Batik Pesisir patterns(Photo via Shutterstock)

Batik is Indonesia's most prominent traditional textiles, originating from the island of Java. Traditionally, batik is made of natural materials, such as cotton and silk, or a mixture of both, using natural dye and wax that created the fabric'sbeautiful and calm natural colors. Batikis made by applying hot wax onto white plain cloth, forming desired patterns and then dyeing it with colors. The cloth is then washed and boiled in water several times before it can be used.

<img style=

One of Batik Pedalaman/Kraton patterns(Photo via Shutterstock)

Javanesebatik is divided into two types: batik pedalaman (or Kraton batik) and batik pesisir (coastal batik). Batik pedalaman, also known as classical batik, came fromJavanese royal tradition, especially in Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). It was originally made for royals and aristocrats and hasmany traditional values and meanings. Batik pedalaman usually has geometrical patterns and comes in calm, dark colors, such as deep brown, light brown or deep blue.

Indonesian Traditional Textiles  2017 brilio.net

Batik in Javanese wedding costume "Paes Ageng" (Photo via Shutterstock)

On the contrary, batik pesisiran,thanks to its Chinese, Indian and Arabian influence, is brighter in colors and more dynamic in patterns. More vivid colors often seen, such as red, green, fuchsia, blue and yellow. Patterns like flowers, bird of paradise, or butterflies also often seen in batik pesisiran.

Sasirangan

Indonesian Traditional Textiles  2017 brilio.net

Sasirangan (Photo via Wikimedia)

Sasirangan is a custom fabric of Banjar tribe in South Kalimantan. Its patterns and colors are obtained from the process of staining with a barrier, using rope or yarn to form certain patterns. Comparedto the tie dye fabric in general, sasirangan patterns are typically more orderly and smaller, creating the impression of grace and elegance.

Ulos

Indonesian Traditional Textiles  2017 brilio.net

One of ulos patterns (Photo via Shutterstock)

Ulos is a traditional textile of Batak tribes of North Sumatra that istraditionally worn during weddings, funerals or other formal events. ulos is normally worn as a drapeover the shoulder. There are many kinds of ulos for different ceremonial necessities, but in general, ulos is generally hand-woven, made using manual loom machine. In weddings, the bride and groom are bound together with one piece of ulos. In Batak culture, giving ulos (mangulosi) to friends and relatives is an expression of love and homage to the receiver.

Indonesian Traditional Textiles  2017 brilio.net

Batak bride and groom wearing ulos (Photo via Kapanlagi)

Gringsing

Indonesian Traditional Textiles  2017 brilio.net

Gringsing (Photo via Mukenabalietnik)

Gringsing is a traditional fabric fromTenangan, Bali. Makingone piece of gringsing takes a very long time, about two to five years, as the process is mostly done by hands, with minimum tool involved. Gringsing name was derived from two words, gring which means sick and sing which means no/negative. The fabric is believed to be the disease repellent.

Songket

Indonesian Traditional Textiles  2017 brilio.net

Palembang songket (Photo via BucukotaPalembang)

Songket is a traditional Malay woven fabric. It can be found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The hand woven fabric is usually made of silk or cotton and considered exquisite, luxurious and prestigious traditional fabric to be worn only during ceremonies, weddings, and formal occasions. In Indonesia, songket can be found mainly in Palembang (South Sumatra), Minangkabau (West Sumatra), Medan (South Sumatra), Jambi, Lombok and Bali.

Indonesian Traditional Textiles  2017 brilio.net

Komering bride wearing songket (Photo credit: Mahligai/Ridha Kusumabrata)

Indonesian Traditional Textiles  2017 brilio.net

Lahat bride and groom wearing songket (Photo credit: Mahligai/Seno-Photomotion)

CLICK NEXT FOR MORE TRADITIONAL FABRICS

Up Next: Djarot Moves To Governor’s Residence In Menteng

TOP