“Dayak Ikat Weaving” is a traditional weaving process from the heart of Indonesian Borneo.
“Ikat” meaning “to bind” involves tying and dyeing thread before it is woven into elaborate designs. The symbolic Dayak motifs incorporated into the woven patterns make every cloth unique: each depiction has a specific meaning, allowing every cloth to tell its weaver’s story.
Model wearing “ikat” textile as a skirt, traditionally handwoven with use of natural dyes
The skill and time required for each piece have made ikat weavings a prime collectible item, particularly when the cloth is aged. Patterns are passed down from generation to generation, deeply rooting the craft form in the Sintang Dayak culture.
The delicate allure of Ikat products make them perfect décor and couture accessories. Their elaborate designs can be played up or down to best fit one’s personal tastes.
“Ikat” Weaving on display at the PRCF Indonesia Gallery
The PRCF Indonesia Ikat Gallery provides a point of sales in Pontianak for the products of the Jasa Menenun Mandiri (JMM) Cooperative of Sintang and for independent weavers throughout the province. Their efforts in promoting these beautiful, traditional handicrafts support sustainable livelihoods and empowers the Dayak women weavers of the region. These products are available in their pure form, or are incorporated into modern fashion and décor centerpieces. They also offer beautiful, traditional handicrafts made of rattan and bamboo, from other regions of West Kalimantan.
Baskets handwoven of rattan in promotion of the sustainable use of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP)
PRCF promotes the sustainable use of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP), fostering natural dye gardens and offering training on harvesting these resources responsibly. The use of natural dyes in the woven products available at their gallery provides a safe and traditional method for finishing the cloth, while reducing the impact that this process has on the environment. Purchases made at the PRCF Indonesia Gallery contribute to conserving an interest in one of the cultural pillars of Dayak society.
Model wearing fashionable items incorporating traditional “ikat” weaving
People Resources Conservation Foundation (PRCF) Indonesia is concerned with conservation of natural resources and sustainable socioeconomic development, promoting the participation of local communities while enhancing their institutional capacities and revitalizing their cultural identity.
For more information about their activities, directly relating to the Cultural Revitalization (“Ikat”) Program, please visit their blog at: http://www.tenunikat.blogspot.com/ or their website: www.prcfoundation.org
Galery Tenun Ikat
Jl. DR. Wahidin Sudiro Husodo Gg. Sepakat 6 Komplek Mitra Utama 6 No 5B, Pontianak – Kalimantan Barat – INDONESIA
Telp. +62 561 7079405 Telp./Fax. +62 561 6590021
Email : prcfindonesia@gmail.com
Contact Person : Fifiyati (+62 8125623301) Email: fifiyatiptk@ymail.com
Open : Monday – Friday : 09.00 – 17.00 WIB
Ten years ago I set a goal to visit 30 countries by my 30th birthday. With no plan or country list to fulfill this goal, I decided to let life take me where it wished.
“See Simi Travel Blog | Adventures of a travel snob“, is just that. The account of an ex-20-something year old exploring the world, usually solo, and on a very limited budget.
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i liket it…nice
Hi. I would like to find the beautiful baskets of Kalimantan, which villages would be best to visit?
thanks
I recommend visiting the gallery mentioned here since the villages are difficult to get to on your own. You can always ask the very kind staff of PRCF Indonesia if you can accompany them on their next visit so that you can meet the weavers. Ensaid Panjang, which has one of the few remaining longhouses in the region, is a good place to visit!