Ikat Hand Woven Scarf Wrap Throw Runner Turtle and Wave Motif Alor Indonesia

This fantastic ikat image / motif is the weavers representation of a turtle, waves and clouds . It has been achieved by tying small bunches of thread in the weft then dying it, this is where the word IKAT [to knot or tie] comes from. The weaver has used a charming range of natural dyes of from the land and the sea. The green is daun Ketapan, tumeric for the yellow, the salmon is Kulit Pohon Pen and she has created the chocolate with a mixture of Mankung and Indigo.

Scarves and all handwoven textiles in Indonesia represent traditional clothing and epitomise cultural pride as the weaver is able to tell her story within the threads. You can often read where she hails from within the construction, motif and colours. She will never weave the same story twice….making each weaving she creates unique.

142cm / 56″ long

30cm / 12″ width

You are welcome to combine items to maximise your postage. International buyers are welcome.

I am Julie and have been collecting Timorese Treasures in the field since 1990 when I won a prize for overseas travel in a pub in Darwin [true]. I had no idea at the time that I had stumbled upon an Aladdin’s cave of authentic traditional tribal textiles and treasures. I have been returning annually ever since [well most years] and been witness to many changes across the last 3 decades. Who knows when we will be able to travel there again to obtain such treasures?

NOTE: We use recycled packaging.

Clearly none of us are sure what will happen post COVID, if there is such a thing, but I do know that the villagers, carvers and weavers up in the mountains will be grateful when some outside dollars comes into their informal/circular economy. Therefore every purchase you choose to make with me will benefit the Atoni [people of West Timor] as soon as I can get back there.

I distribute reading glasses and nutritious food seeds as the soil in the western half of Timor is very poor and water a precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.