Ceremonial textile (tampan) with five registers of designs

Indonesia’s long history of maritime trade and the immense wealth that it brought are embodied in the remarkable textiles of the Lampung region of southern Sumatra. Lampung is situated on the western side of the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Suatra and has been a vital trade route since ancient times. The region is known for its black pepper, which historically was highly valued in the spice trade and is still produced there today. The cosmopolitan influences resulting from Lampung’s strategic location are evident in its ritual textiles. The two most abundant types are tampan and palepai which incorporate imagery that predominantly depicts stylized ships, outside Indonesia, these are often referred to collectively as ‘ship’s cloths’

This is a remarkable example of the genre of ceremonial textiles known as tampan, showcasing the extraordinary innovation and technique of woven designs from the Lampung region. Woven in red and natural cotton, with a blue border at top and bottom, the central section of the textile is dominated by a large double-headed fantastical creature whose ferocious open jaws underscore the extent of his spiritual capacity and power. Smaller figures stand on the flat deck of the vessel while a guardian figure--the captain or helmsman--stands on the creature’s back, sheltered by an overhead canopy. Two pairs of further figures hover to the right of this central figure, supported by dynamic creatures with large horns. The panel is organized in a highly symmetrical way, structured around the central horizon of the panel, giving the sense that the lower half of the panel is a reflection on the water.