Product Description

Lombok Cotton Selendang

Material: Cotton
Style: Lombok, Indonesia
Size: Length 229 cm, Width 41 cm
Order Number: MHSLCS1

Lombok is in the centre of Indonesia and about the same size as Bali. The western part is dominated by the Balinese. The main ethnic group is the Sasak.

Only a few Sasak textiles survive. They are cotton and are believed to provide protection and healing functions. Under the influence of Islam, which arrived in the early 17th century, many of the magical functions diminished in importance, although some such beliefs remained.

Some Sasaks, although nominally Moslem, retain a strong commitment to traditional Sasak religious beliefs, especially in north-east Lombok around the perimeter of the Mount Rinjani volcano. They are called Waktu Telu Sasak. In those villages certain textiles are still used for magic and ritual purposes, woven by women using a backstrap loom.

Used as a breast cloth or shoulder cloth by upper class women. The designs of mythical creatures are striking: quadrupeds, winged animals or birds, humps, eyes and tails.

Early – mid 20th century.

Map of Lombok.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).