'Geringsing' cloths are only made in Tenganan village in east Bali. The cloths are made by dyeing the yarns with the design before weaving begins. A successful outcome is difficult to achieve and requires considerable planning and careful production by the weaver. The designs of 'geringsing' are based on the patterns of textiles imported from India. Traditionally, 'geringsings' were worn as breast wrappers or shoulder cloths during religious ceremonies. The fact that the weavers decorated the ends with metal-wrapped threads indicates the importance and value ascribed to the cloths. Impressive examples of 'geringsings', such as this one, were made for the kings (rajas) of the Karangasem court who presided over the Amlapura district of eastern Bali. The distinctive design on this textile is known as the 'wayang kebo' which draws its inspiration from shadow puppets. The length of the cloth is divided into four sections by three stars between which are groups of three people.

Asian Art Department, AGNSW, December 2011