Title
Tray liner
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
Minangkabau, West Sumatra
Dimension
Object size: L86 x W82.8 cm
Accession No.
1997-04489
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
This tray liner features a buffalo head motif in the centrefield which is scattered with right-petalled floral motifs and framed by symmetrical chequered borders. These designs are woven in gold supplementary weft, known as ‘songket’. Although the art of songket weaving is practised across the Malay world, the Minangkabau are especially well known for both the quality of their songket as well as the high importance which they place on such textiles. Songket was a symbol of status and traditionally reserved for aristocrats in Minangkabau society. It was used during ceremonial occasions and weddings.
