Title
Skirt cloth
Year/Period
Before 1940
Region
Flores
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 188.0 x 178.0 cm
Accession No.
2018-00997
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. A.C.R. van der Mandele-Vermeer. Presented to the ACM by the City of Delft, Netherlands.
The weaving tradition in Flores is closely linked to gift exchange for weddings and similar ceremonies, particularly concerning the Nagé Kéo people, which this wrap (hoba) was most likely made by. Hoba are characterised by a folded fringe surrounding deep indigo and maroon banded panels and are worn as a woman’s skirt. Hoba feature a series of geometric ikat motifs, which transpire as diamond chains, forks, cruciform and dots on this piece. The significance of these geometric designs is unknown. There are certain taboos which the Nagé Kéo people adhered to in weaving such sacred textiles. For example, women may not partake in any weaving activities when the men were out hunting or fighting in wars.
