The Arts of Bali

Villa Shinta Dewi

TEXTILES

One of the most striking things about Bali is the rich variety of cloths and materials that are to be seen in thousands of shops throughout the island. However only a small proportion of these are indigenous to Bali. The myriad of batik clothes and sarongs available everywhere, are mainly imported from Java and a large proportion of the woven cloths (ikat) found in and around Kuta / Legian area are imported from the islands of Sumba & Flores. However Bali does have a very rich textile industry of its own. The beautiful Songket fabrics worn by performers of traditional dance are a good example.

In Songket, gold and silver threads are woven into the cloth to create complex motifs of birds, butterflies and flowers. Sometimes they use so much gold & silver that the underlying cloth is barely visible.

Endek, or weft ikat is another common method used in Bali. In weft ikat weaving, the weft threads are dyed to create the design and then woven with plain warp threads. These cloths are recognizable by their abstract designs and bright colors.

Although by far the least common form of weaving to be seen in Bali, Geringsing, or double-ikat, is perhaps the most sought after. With this technique, both the warp and weft threads are dyed to their final designs before being woven together. With the exception of certain areas in India and Japan, this weaving technique can only be found in the small village of Bali Aga in Tenganan, East Bali.

If you would like to see ikat being woven visit the Cili Weaving Center, Jalan Ciung Wanara, Gianyar.

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