Aluk Betel Nut Bag Saku Ikat Motif Hand Woven Tribal Authentic Timor Indonesia

Description

W1971 – Aluk , saku Mens Betel nut bag.

Oh the things that are in a betel nut bag….we have a glimpse into one in the images.

Handwoven by the wonderful weaving women of West Timor [4Ws!] each of these Aluk displays the weavers tribal motif in which each hook speaks of a clan member and each dot represents a totemic guardian spirit.

Sometimes these Aluk are a dedicated weaving , sometimes [as in this case] the weaver has taken an old scarf and repurposed it to create a this bag. She has hand braided the handle and made it long enough to wear comfortably.

These small but unique and sweet Aluk are perfect for when you are heading out with just a few necessary items.

15cm  /  6″ tall

13cm / 5″ wide

132cm / 52″ length of handle

50g /1.7oz

If you wish to gather multiple treasures, and international buyers are welcome, this website and shop cart should allow for it. If not, I will contact you to find the most economical way to send your treasures to you.

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.

Clearly none of us are sure what will happen post COVID, but I do know that the villagers, carvers and weavers up in the mountains will be grateful when some outside dollars come 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 very precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.