Who would have thought that East Nusa Tenggara
(NTT), a rich island that consists of many islands, it also has a cultural
product that stands out yatu ikat.
Flores, as part of a group of islands in NTT
consists of thirty tribes with different languages and dialects that also
produce results for different weaves.
Weaver flores own twist cotton yarn to be used will
be woven. They also own Banang dipped into dye. To obtain long-lasting color,
dyeing is done repeatedly. Palms and nails of women weavers to black because of
immersion.
Initially, NTT ikat motifs are mostly floral or
animals such as lizards and chickens. However, since the traders from Europe
into the NTT region. The style is adapted began in colonial style. Woven motifs
became increasingly varied. Typically, the pattern is woven in accordance with
the development of NTT public life at that time.
Some areas of Flores which results weaving quite
prominent are:
1. Weaving Manggarai
In Manggarai, there are special techniques in the
manufacturing belt, using sticks levers to generate additional feed songket
weaving.
2. Ngada
Ikat in Ngada generally simple striped with a color
combination of blue and dark brown.
3. Sikka
Sikka tribal women using ikat sarongs from the
waist, commonly called utan. As for her top, they wore kebaya called pumpkin.
They are complete with dong or similar scarf and flower-shaped bun called a
flower we.
4. Ende
Woven fabric Ende received a strong influence from
Europe, because geographically located on the southern coast Ende Flores.
Decorative ikat Ende uses only one motive in the middle of the fabric.
5. Lio
motifs in the area Lio potola inspired by
Indian motifs, or motif Jlamprang and fried in batik. Decorative branches,
leaves, and twigs helped complete fabric of Lio.
6. Lembata
There are two types of ikat Lembata. Kewatek nai
rua, ie sarong weaving fabric consists of two parts combined. And Kewatek nai
telokain which consists of three parts to be joined into a single glove.
This fabric weave work lasted for months. By their
very diligently and patiently weave. They do not get bored, because they are
incise the weave for cultural imprints.
In addition to interest collectors, ikat is also
widely used for decoration or daily needs. Traditionally making process was
still maintained. I wonder if the price is quite expensive. This traditional
fabric from NTT is sold between Rp 100 thousand to Rp 19 million.
