Sekomandi

The sekomandi textiles are made as two identical pieces woven on a backstrap loom and sewn together to form an unusually large cloth. These large textiles are then used to decorate traditional houses during ceremonies as a sign that the full ritual cycle had been performed.

The overall motif is called tobo alang which refers to the carvings on a rice barn. Rice barns are always paired with a traditional house and are important for storing crops for a family household. This motif represents the importance of sharing the abundance of a harvest with the community.

Warp ikat, two panels sewn together, open fringe, commercial threads, natural dyes.
Made by Beni in Karataun West Sulawesi, 2019.
204 x 132 cm / 80.5 x 52 in