Interwoven Traditions:
Dyeing and Weaving of Sumatra, Indonesia

Waistcloth (Sarong) with Butterflies, Flowers, Birds, and Vines
Palembang, Sumatra, Indonesia, Start of the 20th century

Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 13
November 5, 2025 (Wed) - February 1, 2026 (Sun)

Sumatra is one of the many islands that make up the archipelagic nation of Indonesia. Situated in the west of the country, Sumatra boasts a wide variety of dyeing and weaving techniques from regions across the island.
Through trade across the Indian Ocean, chintz textiles from India made their way to the islands of Indonesia, and it is thought that Indian chintz influenced the famous batik textiles of Indonesia.
This exhibition not only explores this relationship between batik and Indian chintz, but also features early 20th–century photographs of Sumatran textiles when worn, expressing their charming allure.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 5 results

	Designation	Name	Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
Highlight		Chintz with a Floral Diamond and Floral Checks	Coromandel Coast, India, Made for export to Indonesia (Discovered in Lampung, Sumatra)	18th century	TI-527
Highlight		Waistcloth (Sarong) with Butterflies, Flowers, Birds, and Vines	Palembang, Sumatra, Indonesia	Start of the 20th century	TI-247
Highlight		Ceremonial Hanging Cloth (Palepai) with a Ship and Human Figures	Krui, Sumatra, Indonesia	19th century	TI-354
Highlight		Ceremonial Skirt (Tapis) with Stars	Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia	19th century	TI-248
Highlight		Ceremonial Cloth (Ulos) with Stripes and Geometric Patterns	Northern Sumatra, Indonesia	19th–20th century	TI-207

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