This warp ikat textiles is known as an ulos and would normally have been worn as a wrap around the shoulders. It is decorated with a lattice of white lines forming a field of diamond shaped lozenges infilled with fine indigo lines. The ends are embellished with fine supplementary weft work and twisted fringes. The Batak live in the interior of Northern Sumatra surrounding the massive crater lake, Lake Toba. Textiles of various types were used for ceremonies including birth rites, marriages and at death. At marriage textiles are an important component of wealth exchange. The bride’s family would present handwoven textiles as gifts to the bride as well as the groom and his family. The groom’s family would reciprocate with “hard” items such as knives, jewellery and silver or brass boxes and containers. Such gift giving was an opportunity for families to display their wealth and status.
