Batik cloths such as this example are generally known as ‘batik kaligrafi’ because they feature Islamic calligraphy as their main motif. This blue batik is densely inscribed with very fine and small calligraphy, handwritten in the resist dyed method. There are three lobed medallions; each containing the word 'Allah' and pseudo-calligraphic elements in a six-pointed star.Such calligraphic batik cloths were most often used in a funerary context, serving as a ceremonial drape or a shroud cloth for a bier. This tradition is thought to be related to the Ottoman custom of placing calligraphic silk cloths over the tombs of their saints, holy men, great rulers, martyrs and soldiers. Other uses for calligraphic batik textiles included ceremonial and protective functions. They were also often used during battle or illness.
