We see many skirts and shoulder cloths from the island of Rote in Indonesia but few headcloths. This textile is 107 x 37 cm. which suggests it was used as a headcloth rather than a shoulder cloth as they are usually 160 cm. or more in length.
This piece dates to the early 20th C. and is probably woven with Benang Belanda or trade thread from the Dutch. I believe it was produced in the far west of Rote island in the Nemberala area as it uses light blue and yellow dyes in the patterns. The light blue and yellow, somewhat faded from time, are clear in the close-up. Hummm, now if I could just figure out how to add the photos!!! Ah, success!! Now if I could just reverse the order of the photos. Not sure how I did it but it worked. Hope you enjoy this lovely headcloth.
Headcloth from Rote Island, Indonesia
Nemberala headcloth
