1983.93 Man's shoulder or hip cloth (hingi)

Ikat-patterned textiles from the small island of Sumba in eastern Indonesia have long been famous for clarity of color and complexity of design. Notice the bright white (which represents the original color of the yarns), the light blue shapes that enliven the inky blue of the background, and the small cross-shaped elements on the oval motifs that are arranged in horizontal bands.

Large rectangular cloths with fringe across each end are the traditional garment for men on Sumba and other islands of eastern Indonesia. These textiles are woven and worn in pairs, one wrapped around the hips and the other draped about the shoulders, according to local custom. The motifs can be read as stylized patterns. The overall effect also suggests a watery environment with organic shapes that resemble sea creatures.

Carol Robbins, Label text, 2008.

1976-1983: Steven G. Alpert, Dallas, Texas, purchased from a family in Melolo, Sumba

1983: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from above [1]

Notes:

The main source for this provenance is the Pacific American Corp. document titled "Dallas Museum of Art: The Steven G. Alpert Collection of Indonesian Textiles" in the Collections Records file labeled Steven G. Alpert—Indonesian Textiles. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[1] See pages 1-4 of the correspondence between Harry S. Parker and Pacific American Corp. dated October 5, 1983, in the Collections Records file labeled Steven G. Alpert—Indonesian Textiles.

Apply to objects where number equals 1983.93