Flores handwoven vintage ikat sarong. Very long

This cotton sarong, soft with age, is sewn lengthwise to make a long tube into which the wearer steps and can bring it up high over the head if it's raining. Natural dyes have been used. Flores, is one of the live volcanic islands of Indonesia. Read about Flores Ikats in the general notes of the Ikat Collection. You will be astonished how each stage of this demanding ikat technique is taught traditionally. Natural dyes show their variations close-up. Patterns tell which part of the island it was made. Each ikat sarong is made of three bands joined together and then sewn into a tube, in this case excellently handsewn. This is determined by the width of the person's backstrap loom. This piece must have been made for a tall person as it is significantly longer than others.

This ikat tube sarong was made in Nggela by a clearly masterful weaver. Each motif is crisp and could be identified with its specific meaning. The light blue flower centres light up the rich chestnut browns. It feels supple and strong.

This tube with a machined seam (see image) can be unpicked to change the dimensions from 70 x 190cms to 140  x 168cms or use as bed cover, wall hanging, sofa blanket or table cloth. Wash gently by hand. If it is to become a wall hanging, hand stitch a narrow pocket on the back to take a rod. This is a valuable vintage artwork.