2052 Rare Antique Geringsing Ceremonial Double Ikat, Wayang Kebo

Antique Geringsing Ceremonial Double Ikat textile fragment, Bali

This fantastic handwoven cloth made with handspun yarn, is from the late-1800s / early 1900s. 

The pattern on this cloth is most likely “patelikur isi,” a term that refers to its construction—specifically the 24 bundles of warp threads used in weaving it. The design is characterized by prominent mandala-like forms (four-pointed stars or diamond shapes), complemented by smaller motifs such as multi-tiered shrines and stupas, miniature house temples known as sanggar, sacred water vessels (cupu), dog figures (asu), and floral star patterns symbolizing the fragrant ivory offering flower, sigading.

Wikipedia says: 

"Created by the double ikat method in the Bali Aga village of Tenganan Pegeringsingan in Bali. The demanding technique is only practiced in parts of India, Japan and Indonesia. In Indonesia it is confined to the village of Tenganan.

According to textile expert John Guy, "the ancestry of Balinese geringsing is far from clear, although some cloths display the unmistakable influence of patola", the silk double ikats produced in Gujarat during the height of the Spice Trade (16-17C). Many of these imported cloths became the inspiration for later locally made textiles, but one theory is that the Balinese-made cloths were exported to India and copied there for production to Asian markets. Many have unique Hindu motifs such as a bird's eye view of a mandala with a sacred center from which everything radiates. ..The palette of geringsing is typically red, neutral, and black. Geringsing are regarded as sacred cloths, "ascribed supernatural properties, especially to assist in forms of healing... Gering means disease and sing means no" implying the protective power of this cloth. 

Has significant damage and some repairs (photos on request). Fringes present at one end. The condition is not 'beyond repair' - it can definitely be mounted and saved for the coming generations with just a little effort. 

Cloth with the loose, sparse weaving of hand-spun yarn are very rare in any category. In textile groups that are face wear & tear through usage in ceremonies, this is rarer. 

204 x 41 cm

Link to an almost identical museum example:Australian Museum

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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