1652 Antique Iban Pua Kumbu Sungkit Textile with Human Figures

 Antique Iban Pua Sungkit Singkit Woven Textile with Human Figures- Undyed base

This type of weaving is now extinct making this category a highly coveted one.

19th century ceremonial weaving, "Pua kombu / kumbu Sungkit or Singkit" in hand spun cotton.

In this type of weaving motifs are created using a supplementary weft.

Such textiles played an important role in headhunting ceremonies and hence were among the most tediously decorated woven works.

The sungkit weaving process is now extinct.

Iban people (a subsection of the Dayak), Borneo, 19th century.

Note the human figures all over.

Note also the undyed base and the yellow.

Some of the figures remind me of figures seen in Hainanese weavings.

And others remind me of Elibelinde.

Soft pliable but thick cloth

35cm x 217cm

Link 1 to a similar but younger example: Sotheby's

Link 2 to a similar but younger example: Sotheby's

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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.

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