Product Description
Lombok Umbaq Kombong Textile
Material: Cotton, Chinese coins
Style: Lombok, Indonesia
Size: Length 250 cm, Width 46 cm
Order Number: MHSLUKT1
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 Wetu Telu Sasak. In those villages certain textiles are still used for magic and ritual purposes, woven by women using a backstrap loom.
As soon as a child is born his or her mother starts thinking about weaving the sacred cloths (Umbaq Kombong). These cloths are essential for the future well-being of the child. Failure would result in catastrophic consequences, such as sickness and behavioural problems.
Umboq textiles are only woven by women who are ‘pure’ ie post-menstrual women and the warp can only be set up on certain months and weaving take place on certain days. Before work starts, a small ceremony is required.
Umbaq Kombong are coarsely woven, rectangular, with thin stripes. The length, width and number of stripes varies. The cloths contain magic healing powers. There are at least 114 different types, with small variations, all with their own name. The Umbaq Kombong ragi Majapahit traces its origins back to the last great Hindu Javanese Majapahit empire of the late 13th to early 16th centuries.
For a hair cutting ceremony between 4 and 12 cloths will be required, depending on the family’s status. Huge amounts of money are spent in staging life cycle ceremonies.
They are often woven quickly as many are needed and often they are needed urgently. The designs are copied from older sacred heirlooms kept by the village priests.
There are some holes.
Early – mid 20th century.
Map of Lombok.
Please ask for the price (or make an offer).
