This breathtaking handwoven IKAT shawl from Sumba, Indonesia is a finished wearable textile — a selendang, or ceremonial shoulder cloth — complete with a knotted fringe hem that speaks to its traditional origins as a garment of cultural significance. Dramatic in scale and bold in design, it is equally at home worn as a wrap or displayed as a wall textile.
The body of the shawl is dominated by a large-scale all-over scroll and labyrinth geometric pattern in brilliant cream white on a deep navy blue ground. The repeating motif — a complex interlocking S-scroll and hooked diamond form — fills the full field with fluid, continuous energy, creating a composition that is simultaneously structured and dynamic. This type of bold scroll patterning is characteristic of Sumbanese supplementary weft weaving at its most assured.
Flanking borders on both long edges carry a vivid sequence of narrow stripe bands in dusty pink, golden yellow, deep red, and cream, each populated with small geometric motifs — eight-pointed stars, diamonds, and cross forms — that add jewel-like detail to the edges. The multicolored knotted fringe hem completes the piece with a joyful, artisanal finish, the fringe threads picking up the pink, yellow, and cream tones of the border stripes.
This piece was personally selected by Judy during her recent buying trip to Indonesia — drawn to the exceptional scale of its scroll motif and the vivid pop of the multicolor border against the deep navy ground.
Each piece is one of a kind. Natural color variation and slight irregularities in the weave are inherent to handmade textile traditions and are a mark of authentic handcraft.
Suggested uses: worn as a wrap or shawl, wall hanging, decorative throw, ceremonial textile display, or statement fiber art piece.
Love what you see? If you'd like to join Judy on her next trip to Indonesia, we'd love to hear from you — contact us to learn more.
