Product Description

Sumbawa Head Cloth

Material: Handspun cotton, natural dyes
Style: Sumbawa, Indonesia
Size: Length 69 cm, Width 68 cm
Order Number: MHSSHC1

Sumbawa is an Indonesian island, located in the middle of the Lesser Sunda Islands chain, with Lombok to the west, Flores to the east, and Sumba further to the southeast.

The island, lying close to Sulawesi, was heavily influenced by the Makasarese of old Sulawesi. They were probably responsible for the style of this head cloth or ikat kepala.

Bright coloured, squared patterns, this cloth is exceptional both for the high quality of the textile and the quality of the metallic yarn used.

These factors suggest it belonged to the Sultan or his family. Metallic yarn adds glitter  to the cloth surface.

Very good condition.

19th – early 20th century.

Map of Sumbawa, Indonesia.

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