2049 Rare Antique Kain Ikat Timor Sembe Klobe - Indonesian Textile Art

Rare Antique Se Mau Island Timor Kupang, Kain Ikat Textile 

A sembeg klobe is a traditional three-part men’s hip cloth remains culturally significant, especially as a gift exchanged during marriages and funerals. (Sembeg Hata is for women)

The Helong people of Kupang in West Timor were the region’s original inhabitants before who later resettled on Semau Island, just off Kupang. The art of dyeing and weaving clan motifs, rests with only a few women today. 

The deep red ikat bands on the side have been stitched to the main central off-white panel.

Note the superb yellow selvedge that adds tremendous aesthetic value to the textile

Note also the special fringes that include threads from the contrasting yellow selvedge. The method of tying these fringe knots is unique to this group. 

Cloth is fine & light (compared to most Indonesian ikats that are thick) and is softened by usage over the years

200 cm x 92 cm

A sembe klobe is a traditional three-part men’s hip cloth remains culturally significant, especially as a gift exchanged during marriages and funerals. (Sembe Hata is for women)

The Helong people of West Timor were the region’s original inhabitants who later resettled on Semau Island, just off Kupang. The art of dyeing and weaving clan motifs, rests with only a few women today. 

Rare textile.

Acquired by the previous collector in 1988 and was rare even at that time. 

Estimated to be from the early 1900s.

Has some water marks on the central panel.

INTRODUCTORY PRICE

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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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