Headcloths were worn by men throughout coastal Sumatra. This beautiful example of a Palembang headcloth combines a weft ikat ('limar') with a supplementary weft woven in gold thread ('songket'). The central field design is based on a patola pattern - a variation on the eight-petalled lotus design in shades of blue, green, purple, off white and red. This headcloth is indicative of the 'refinement' of dress, social and ritual pursuits, under the influence of Islam.

Asian Art Department, AGNSW, August 2000