Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Southern Sumatra, Lampung region, ca. 19th century CE. A handwoven tampan textile with a symmetrical ship motif embroidered on the beige cotton panel. The brocading threads are dyed red and navy blue to contrast with the ground panel, creating intricate designs that are almost perfectly symmetrical on each half of the cloth. The planning and executing the mirror imagery was challenging, additionally, the use of brocading threads to embroider contrasting colors adds another layer of complexity to the process. The horizontal mirror symmetry is not only mesmerizing but ensures that when the cloth is draped or folded along the horizontal axis, the imagery is correctly oriented upwards on both sides. Tampan cloths were exchanged during significant rites of passage, serving as celebratory items for events like births, deaths, marriages, and social rank ceremonies in Lampung culture. Size: 26" L x 25" W (66 cm x 63.5 cm)

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art curatorial team, "Tampan were owned and used by virtually every Lampung family to consecrate ritual occasions and to assist each individual as he or she progressed through the diverse ceremonies that marked the various stages of life. Tampan were displayed or exchanged at both birth and death, at marriages, circumcisions, and ceremonies marking changes in social rank. They served as the focal point for ceremonial meals, as the seat for the elders who oversaw traditional law, and were tied to the ridge poles of newly built houses. They were a sacred force that bound society together. Tampan occur in two regional styles and in two primary colors. Those woven in blue depict the secular realm, those in red the sacred. Examples from the inland mountains show stylized natural or domestic subjects and geometric designs, while those from the coast (tampan pasisir) display richly detailed scenes of ships and other motifs."

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Emile Deletaille, Belgium, 1970-1980s

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#185283

Staining and discoloration as shown and expected with age. Holes and fraying throughout the center of the textile which have been reinforced in modern times with modern thread to prevent unraveling. Losses to fibers along the selvedge and fringe edges. Fair condition overall. The textile is attached to a modern cotton cloth backing and professionally mounted on a wooden frame stretcher. Ready to display!