Ndao Ikat Soft Cotton Throw

FREE SHIPPING GLOBALLY VIA SINGAPORE POST This is a vivid classic local patola motif weaving done on the island of Ndao by the daughter of our weaving partner Cendanawangi. She is pictured next to her mother above. This is a unique heavy colorfast dye Ikat, which celebrates the typical dry season colors used in the Ikat process. This piece is a two-panel piece typical of the area. The colors are rich but subtle with a nice tight weave. Our weaver partners in Rote and neighboring Ndao island are a family of three sisters, Paulina, Ina and Cendanawangi (who is named after the fragrant Sandalwood trees that abound here. The textiles produced by the sisters are of notably higher quality than everything else produced in the area. They use techniques passed through the generations. Their primary motifs are flowery Patola ikat designs which are a legacy of the ancient trade with India. They also produce some geometric and animal themed pieces which are generally bordered with church and cross patterns reflecting the Portuguese introduction of Christianity to the area Paulina and her sisters and their daughters are all part of their operation, the weaving process is highly social with lots of laughing and gossiping involved. Weaving is an integral part of the day for these strong women, typically in the afternoon and into the evening they will tie yarn for Ikat, or weave on the looms. The color patterns are derived from the seasonal availability of various flowers, barks, seeds in the area. Typically the darker blues and indigo dyes are from the wet season flowers of the Indigo plant which grows in the area. While Paulina lives on Rote itself, in the village of Nemberala her sister Cendanawangi lives a 2 hour boat ride away on neighboring Ndao island. Ndao is a spartan place with a few houses, a mosque and a church. Aside from her weaving talents, Cendanawangi is a skilled traditional dancer and a huge Karaoke fan as well as an avid chewer of Betel nut. A visit to her house on Ndao is always a joyous time.