The Weaving Cultures of Bali and Flores, Indonesia

A Textile Tour With Threads of Life

July 19 – August 01, 2008

In their motifs and ceremonial uses, the traditional textiles of Indonesia represent an understanding of the natural world and community that has sustained people through the centuries. As economic forces drive weavers to abandon time-honored traditions the textile arts degrade and so do the cultures they express. Supporting the continuation of the textile arts demonstrates that these traditions have value in a modern, global context. This restores people’s pride in their culture and ensures the traditions supporting their physical and spiritual life continue.

During 8 days in Bali, you will learn about the weaving traditions of Bali and eastern Indonesia, and experience hands-on the arts of ikat tie-dyeing, backstrap loom weaving, batik, and dyeing with natural indigo-blue and Morinda-red. In Bali, and also during 4 days in central Flores, you will meet members of the weavers’ cooperatives supported by Threads of Life and see them practicing their arts with a newly refined eye. Facilitated discussions will open a two-way dialogue with the weavers. There will be time for personal interaction and the opportunity to buy directly from the artists.

For more details download PDF brochure

A Day-Tour to Visit Weft Ikat and Songket Weavers

in Gianyar and Sidemen

Within and around the market towns of Gianyar and Klungkung the visitor can experience the contrast between both aspects of the area’s textile production. In Gianyar, the economies of scale of workshop-based weft ikat production can be seen and the part played in the island’s export economy appreciated. In Sidemen, the cottage industry songket weaving is supported by a local market and meeting the weavers requires a door-to-door walk through the picturesque community. Guided by Threads of Life gallery staff, this relaxed day tour offers an intersting insight into the lives and skills of the Bali’s weavers

9.00 AM		Depart from Threads of Life Gallery, Ubud.
9.30-10.30		Visit the weft ikat workshops in Gianyar. Learn about the entire process, from ikat, through dyeing to weaving.
11.00-12.00		Explore Klungkung market, the region’s largest textile retail center and the central source for weaving materials.
12.30-1.00		Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in the rice fields on the way to Sidemen.
1.30-3.00		Discover how songket is made during a leisurely stroll along the footpaths of Sidemen. Meet a songket pattern maker and visit weavers in their homes.
5.00 PM		Return to Threads of Life Gallery, Ubud.



Price:		Rp 550,000 flat fee for 1-5 people, including car rental and Threads of Life guide, plus Rp 15,000 per person for picnic lunch.
Schedule:		This tour can be arranged for any day of the week, except Sunday.
Booking:		Register in advance via the Contact Us page, in person at the Threads of Life gallery or by calling +62-361-972187