YOGYAKARTA-A total of 50 types of woven fabric in the country starting on Wednesday (2/3) to Saturday (5/3) are on display at the UGM Koesnadi Hardjasoemantri Cultural Center (PKKH). The weaving exhibition and bazaar were held as a tangible manifestation of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, commitment to preserve the national culture. This activity became one of the series events of 65th Anniversary of the Faculty.
The Coordinator of Weaving Exhibition and Bazaar, Dra. Djaliati Sri Nugrahani, said weaving was appointed as the theme of the exhibition because it is one of the resources owned by each tribe in Indonesia. Unlike the batik that is already recognized by UNESCO, the weaving is feared to be extinct or claimed by other nations if it does not receive adequate attention. "The power of identity was appointed as the theme because the weaving is not just a fabric, but also as a marker of gender, social status, ritual tools, and a marker of female identity in the economy, as well as a marker of maturity," said Nugrahani on the sidelines of the exhibition, Thursday (4/3).
She explained that the exhibition also displays a collection of weaving with a diversity of variants, complexion, age, price, origin, and uniqueness. The exhibition and bazaar are open to the public.
Of the various types of weaving on display, one of which has the age over 100 years, namely Sekomandi woven fabric from Toraja. In addition, there is also Gringsing’s woven material from Bali in which one of the colorings uses the roots of noni tree. All this time Gringsing has been commonly used in ceremonies and placed in the temple as a means to reject the bad luck. "Gringsing is quite unique because it is only made in Bali and India," the lecturer of the UGM Department of Archaeology explained.
Well, if you want to see the fabrics worn by noblemen in Sasak, Lombok, there are also the traditional woven cloths of Sukarara on display. In addition to the original weaving, next to it also exhibited a similar yet more modern weaving.
Visitors can also purchase the woven fabric, traditional souvenirs and batik that are available at several booths.