Title
Ceremonial hanging
Year/Period
19th or 20th century
Region
Aceh, Sumatra
Material
Dimension
Gross measurement: 41.0 x 158.5 cm,
Object size: 43.0 x 161.2 cm
Object size: 43.0 x 161.2 cm
Accession No.
2021-00720
Collection of
This hanging is most likely the bi pintu (as it is called in western Aceh), a key decorative piece on the wedding dais, a central structure to present the newlyweds to guests at the reception. It is a vibrant example of Acehnese gold-thread embroidery known as 'kasap Aceh'. The predominant technique deployed here is couching. The central panel features two Buraqs facing each other interspersed with possibly tree-of-life motifs. There are six inscriptions of Arabic letters that are partially legible.
