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

Title

Ceremonial skirtcloth (Lau hada)

circa 1900

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Sumba → East Nusa Tenggara → Lesser Sunda Islands → Indonesia
    Date
    circa 1900
    Media category
    Textile
    Materials used
    mud stained cotton, shells, seeds and beads; appliqué
    Dimensions
    173.3 x 83.5 cm
    Credit
    Gift of Dr John Yu and Dr George Soutter 2006
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    253.2006
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    Lau hada are ceremonial skirts given to a bride as part of the marriage ceremony. The plain cotton ground cloth has been decorated with shells, beads and seeds to create the stylised shape of a standing male figure surrounded by patterns that could be abstract representations of animals. The figure refers to fertility and the continuity of life within the community.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, September 2011

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition