We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

headcloth

20th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of headcloth by

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    North Sumatra → Indonesia
    Cultural origin
    Batak
    Date
    20th century
    Media category
    Textile
    Materials used
    handspun cotton, natural dyes; twill weave with supplementary weft design at centre and at ends
    Dimensions
    42.2 x 220 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Bequest of Alex Biancardi 2000
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    242.2000
    Copyright
    © Copyright reserved

    Reproduction requests

    Share

  • About

    This headcloth is most likely to be associated with fertility. Woven in earth tones and heightened with blue, the geometric design on the end panels incorporates an elongated triangular motif symbolising the male principle, whilst the diamond design in the central section of this cloth represents the female principle. Textiles bearing this male-female design are used in rites by peasant farmers to secure an abundant harvest.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, August 2000

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 3 publications