Indonesia Market Rack

Indigo, called nila, has a significant cultural presence in Indonesia and is deeply intertwined with traditional textile arts through weaving (such as ikat) and batik. Ikat, a resist-dyeing technique, involves binding parts of the yarn before dyeing to create intricate patterns once woven. Batik is a resist dyeing technique that uses wax, producing detailed and elaborate designs often using stencils made from wood or metal.

Indigo dyeing in Indonesia dates back centuries, with local communities mastering the craft and passing information through generations. During the colonial era, Dutch colonizers capitalized on this expertise and continued to profit from plantations established by the British on Java to meet European demand. This period saw the exploitation of local labor and resources, significantly impacting the Indonesian economy and culture. Additionally, the Dutch appropriated Indonesian batik techniques and brought these textiles to other markets.

Despite colonial exploitation, Indonesian artisans preserved their rich traditions. Today, indigo-dyed weavings and batik are celebrated globally for their beauty and craftsmanship, and markets create a feast for the eye, displaying spectacular colors, patterns, styles, and techniques.

1. Slendang (Shoulder Cloth)
   Unidentified Maker
   Unknown date
   Indonesia
   Cotton, dyes
   Gift of Greg Davidson, 1994-35-271

2. Sarong (Skirt)
   Unidentified Maker
   Unknown date
   Indonesia
   Cotton, dyes
   Gift of Mrs. Priscilla D. Fawcett, 1993-26-096

3. Sarong (Skirt)
   Unidentified Maker
   Unknown date
   Indonesia
   Cotton, indigo
   Gift of Greg Davidson, 1994-35-276

4. Sarong (Skirt)
   Unidentified Maker
   Unknown date
   Indonesia
   Cotton, indigo
   Gift of Mrs. Priscilla D. Fawcett, 1993-26-065

5. Sarong (Skirt)
   Unidentified Maker
   Unknown date
   Indonesia
   Cotton, dyes
   Gift of Mary Young, 1996-47-002

6. Sarong (Skirt)
   Unidentified Maker
   Unknown date
   Indonesia
   Cotton, dyes
   Gift of Mrs. Priscilla D. Fawcett, 1993-26-111

7. Sarong (Skirt)
   Unidentified Maker
   Unknown date
   Indonesia
   Silk, indigo
   Gift of Mrs. Priscilla D. Fawcett, 1993-26-107

8. Slendang (Shoulder Cloth)
   Unidentified Maker
   Unknown date
   Indonesia
   Cotton, indigo
   Gift of Esther and Morgan Sinclaire, 1998-64-020

9. Patola (Shoulder Cloth)
   Unidentified Maker
   Unknown date
   Indonesia
   Cotton, indigo
   Gift of R.L. Shep, 2001-01-077

10. Sarong
    (Woman’s Hip Wrapper)
    Unidentified Maker
    Unknown date
    Indonesia
    Cotton, natural dyes
    Gift of Edward Inskeep, 1992-19-086

11. Hinggi
    (Man’s Hip/Shoulder Cloth)
    Unidentified Maker
    Unknown date
    Indonesia
    Cotton, dyes
    Gift of R.L. Shep, 2001-01-066

12. Patola (Shoulder Cloth)
    Unidentified Maker
    Unknown date
    Indonesia
    Banana or abaca fiber, indigo
    Gift of Greg Davidson, 1994-35-205

13. Sarong
    (Woman’s Hip Wrapper)
    Unidentified Maker
    Early 20th Century
    Indonesia, Flores Region
    Cotton, dyes
    Gift of Edward Inskeep, 1992-19-142

14. Sarong (Skirt)
    Unidentified Maker
    Unknown date
    Indonesia
    Cotton, dyes
    Gift of Edward Inskeep, 1992-19-118

15. Shoulder Cloth
    Unidentified Maker
    About 1960–1970
    Indonesia
    Cotton, indigo
    Gift of Christiana S. Graham, 1996-71-001

16. Selimut (Man’s Wrap)
    Unidentified Maker
    Unknown date
    Indonesia
    Cotton, dyes
    Gift of Edward Inskeep, 1992-19-099

Gallery View, Indonesia Market Rack, Mingei International Museum. Photograph by Ron Kerner, 2024.