1919 Large Vintage Toraja Ceremonial Cloth Wayang with Female Musicians

Large complete panel depicting a procession of female musicians

Printed on  thick coarse cotton

All old examples of a similar type have been described as trade cloths traded out of Gujarat to Toraja several centuries ago. This one is from the late 1900s (1970s-1990s)

Has 8 ladies with their musical instruments and parrots. 

Note the crown on the head that resembles the one worn by Radha. 

Note the differences in the patterns on the skirts.

Note the long sleeved blouses & tassels at the bottom of the skirt...

Note the well-developed details across the entire drawing.

Single-sided printing - so it is easy to make out the correct side of the cloth.

Very striking palette. 

SIZE: 331 x 86 cm

This textile is similar to the 'Ceremonial Cloth and Heirloom Textile with Row of Female Musicians' at the LACMA.

A field visit to Toraja in 2024 April offered confirmation that such cloths are used in ceremonies even today. (See WOVENSOULS on Instagram to view cultural videos) 

Not only are heirloom textiles that are hundreds of years old being used in ceremonies, even recently-made textiles are used. 

This is one of the younger cloths and has been used in ceremonies. 

Acquired from a small village in Toraja. 

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