W899 - Collected in the field in1996 this elegant textile has been stored and is as fresh as the day I purchased it in the field - from the weaver whilst in a market in Ayotupas West Timor. Textiles from this area are sought after as they retain a certain recognisable style. You can see from the images that there has been some leeching of the black central field.

Hand woven on a simple back strap loom using Commercial thread and embroider thread which she wraps around the weft fibers as she is weaving to create her motif which is a diamond lozenge probably related to the silk textiles that were brought to Timor in the era of the Majapahit. It would make an wonderful shawl or throw as it drapes well. This is a dry-clean only weaving.

157cm / 62" long

90cm / 35.5" width

If you wish to gather multiple treasures try using the ADD TO CART/BASKET function instead of BUY IT NOW. To combine postage, select Request total from seller in your shopping cart. I can then send you an invoice with the new combined postage cost.

International clients are welcome. We will source the most economical way to get your treasure to you.

Scarves and all handwoven textiles in Indonesia represent traditional clothing and epitomise cultural pride as the weaver is able to tell her story within the threads. You can often read where she hails from within the construction, motif and colours. She will never weave the same story twice....making each weaving she creates unique.

I am Julie and have been collecting Timorese Treasures in the field since 1990 when I won a prize for overseas travel in a pub in Darwin [true]. I had no idea at the time that I had stumbled upon an Aladdin's cave of authentic traditional tribal textiles and treasures. I have been returning annually ever since [well most years] and been witness to many changes across the last 3 decades. Who knows when we will be able to travel there again to obtain such treasures?

NOTE: We use recycled packaging and have to cover ebay's fees as they include postage/freight costs in their final fee [16%] [go figure!]

Clearly none of us are sure what will happen post COVID, if there is such a thing, but I do know that the villagers, carvers and weavers up in the mountains will be grateful when some outside dollars comes into their informal/circular economy. Therefore every purchase you choose to make with me will benefit the Atoni [people of West Timor] as soon as I can get back there.

I distribute reading glasses and nutritious food seeds as the soil in the western half of Timor is very poor and water a precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.