Ceremonial banner
This is a rare, early and extremely finely executed Iban ceremonial banner from Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia. Ceremonial textile banners are of important cultural significance for Iban communities where they play important roles during the community’s seasonal calendar. Ceremonial banners such as these were associated with harvest ceremonies and were suspended from long poles or from the ceilings of the open verandahs of Borneo longhouses during Gwai festivals. In the past, their cultural significance also derived from their role in the complex rituals and ceremonial rites that were associated with headhunting rituals. The textile features bold designs executed in the intricate dye-patterning technique known as ikat. Its rich iconography includes human figures and snakes with stylized heads that recall those depicted on Naga serpents and are typical of designs produced on textiles by the Kantu group from West Kalimantan, Borneo. This particular ceremonial textile has an extraordinary level of provenance detail: It was collected in situ by Michael Palmiri at the SK Lepong Gaat Longhouse, Borneo, on October 30, 1976.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ceremonial banner
- Date: Early 20th century
- Geography: Indonesia, Kalimantan
- Culture: Iban Gaat people
- Medium: Cotton, natural dyes
- Dimensions: W. (varies) 14 3/8 in. × L. 20 ft. 3 in. (36.5 × 617.2 cm)
- Classification: Textiles
- Credit Line: Gift of David Bernstein, in honor of Tess Elizabeth Bernstein, 2021
- Object Number: 2021.440
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Kantu' artist
early 20th century
E. van Zuylen
early 20th century
Tetum people
1925–1950
Sumba
Early 20th century
Indonesian
early 20th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.