1953 Antique Sulawesi Ikat Textile Fragment - Human Cutout

Antique Ikat fragment from Kalumpang, West Sulawesi

Medium sized fragment cutout in the shape of a human. The reason for the cutout is not known.

The amazing quality of this Ikat textile is seen in the close-ups - please take a close look.

The motifs are fine, small and dense and not large as we see in younger ikat textiles. The picture with the scale shows the size of the motifs.

Note the use of blue and a few spots of a darker blue.

The most attractive feature of these fragments is the amazing threads ....the weaving has uneven yarn

Estimated to be from the early 1900s

The size is 86 x 47 cm approximately

Some tape on the reverse to prevent the vulnerable sections from deterioration.

Great study example.

Still searching the library for examples with this unique anthropomorphic shapes

Do note that this is a damaged fragment, with faded colors and heavy wear. 

***

This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

***