Tenun ikat: Indonesia's ikat weaving traditions

As a multicultural country, Indonesia boasts a myriad of traditions handed down from one generation to another. These amazing traditions are still largely practiced and treasured even in this era of modernity. Among such great wealth are the skills and culture of hand weaving some of which introduced to the indigenous peoples of the archipelago by traders from southeast continental Asia and even from farther afield. Indonesia's textile culture includes a large repertoire of techniques, one of the best-known being the dye-resist technique universally referred to as ikat weaving. Found in many areas of the country including Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, java, and many more, ikat does not just serve as a mere piece of cloth, but plays an important role in these societies. Ikat with all its varieties in colors and symbols reflects the society in which it is used. It speaks volumes about the society's cultural habits, from their rituals to how they communicate with each other and the outside world. In a nutshell, it mirrors the character of each society, thus it is a very important component of the Indonesian culture. This book aims to explore the intricate yet complicated culture of ikat weaving in Indonesia. Each area is discussed thoroughly, one by one. Each difference is acknowledged and explained. Each advancement is analyzed, and there is also a chapter that discusses the usages of ikat in today's fashion industry. All in all, this book is meant to be a comprehensive introduction to our ikat weaving treasure.