Man’s Cloth (Hi’i Wo Medi)


This cloth is worn as a hip wrapper by men from the Iki (Lesser Palm Blossom) moiety in Savu island. Hi’i Wo Medi means that the ikat bands of motifs have been dyed in indigo. An odd number of main bands of motifs, here seven, and two asymmetrical parts (with respectively four and three bands of main motifs) are in accordance with local cultural principles so that the cloth can be used for important rituals. The serpentine-like motif, keware, is a prerogative of the maternal line wini Jewu. The cloth was woven by group member of the weaving cooperative Tewuni Rai at the Ledetadu Village in Mesara. The cloth combines the work of Ina Ga Dule (more than 78 years old) and her granddaughter Ice Tede Dara. Ina Ga Duleno longer weave, but she still spin cotton and performs indigo dye. She is well known for the quality of her indigo, almost black.

Title: Man’s Cloth (Hi’i Wo Medi)

Artist: Weaver: Ice Tede Dara; Dyer and spinner: Ina Ga Dule. Iki moiety and Jewu female lineage.

Creation Date: 2019

Geography: Indonesia, Savu

Culture: Savunese

Medium: Cotton, natural dyes

Technique: Plain weave, tie-resist dyed warp (warp ikat)

Dimensions: 86.4 x 180 cm (34 x 70 7/8 in)

Classification: Costumes; principal attire (lower body)

Credit Line: Tracing Patterns Foundation Fund, 2021

Object ID Number: 2021.1.KT458