Vintage Noblewoman’s Ceremonial Lau Pahudu from Sumba Island, Indonesia
Lau Pahuda – Supplementary Warp – 7’ 2 ½” x 22 ½” (220 x 58 cm) excluding fringe
Handwoven in Cotton on a Back-strap Loom
This exceptional vintage textile is the handwoven border to the bottom of a woman’s ceremonial sarong (Lau Pahuda) in Sumba Island in Indonesia. This textile denotes a noblewoman of high status, and would be worn on special occasions such as a burial or a ritual dance.
The tapestry-like supplementary warp motif is created during the weaving process, and features five stylized human figures representing ancestors, each separated by a complex geometric design, with roosters bordering the top and bottom.
The condition of this wonderful textile is near perfect, with just 2 small flaws that are unnoticeable unless pulled apart (as illustrated), and could easily be repaired.
It was purchased from a textile dealer in the village of Tengananan, Bali, in the 1990s but is believed to date from the 1970s. It has been in my private collection ever since.
It would look great displayed on a wall!