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Ikat from Lio, Flores Group, Indonesia
 

045 Flores Group, Lio


Lawo (sarong)



Locale: Nggela or a neighbouring village
Period: 1950
Panels: 2
Design: Lawo mogha in morinda red, indigo and morinda overdyed with indigo. Field and widest ikat band decorated with patola-inspired patterns. Second widest band, foko, includes a taboo diamond pattern, mata bili, reported to represent the vulva, symbol of fertility, which may only be used by qualified, mature women.
Size: 74 x 166 cm (29.1 x 65.3 in)
Yarn: Cotton, commercial, fine
Comment: Impressive, and large, sarong with intricate patterning in extremely fine ikat: some elements are only three [sic!] threads wide. Ex collection Pamela Cross. The mata bili pattern is similar to the pattern called buffalo eye (Ind. mata kerbau) in Kodi, West Sumba. It is unclear if there is any relationship between the two. The cloth has a soft, oft washed feel. A rare piece with a few tiny spots of wear, but overall in very good condition.
Background: Additional information in chapters on Flores Group and Lio.
Published:
Woven Languages, 2014.
Compare: 099 082 203 022 086
Sources: Nearly identical sarong in Hamilton, Gift of the Cotton Maiden, Fig. 10-8.
  
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