Naturally-dyed fabrics outshine chemical-dyed fabrics

21 Dec '09

2 min read

In an exhibition, 'Bali Nusra Tangi 2009' organized in Kuta, Bali, last week, a number of ethnic fabrics from villages across Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara took the center stage. Abundant creations of woven cloths dyed with colours made from plant extracts were on display for the visitors.

Beautiful long-lasting colours produced from plant extracts, outshine the dyes created with chemical colorants. Fabrics dyed using plant extracts and produced 75 to 100 years ago still exuded intense colours, for instance, the 100 year old hand-woven tais weto fabric from Manlea village in Belu regency, dyed using extracts of Mengkudu (a small tree found in forests) still dazzles with a deep red color.

These fabrics are being worn by women in country's eastern province during major traditional ceremonies such as weddings. Fabrics from East Nusa Tenggara carry different motifs reflecting various meanings and levels in the society. Fabrics with motifs of animals, such as horse and rooster, are also used widely.

Baranusa woven cloth originating from Alor, the 50-year-old sabu sarong from Sabu island, and the five-year-old Pahikung sarong from Rende, East Sumba regency were the other East Nusa Tenggara traditional fabrics displayed at the exhibition. In addition to this, Nusa Tenggara fabrics, Bali's famous gringsing cloth from Tenganan, as well as silk woven clothes made in Klungkung, Karangasem and Nusa Penida also magnetized the visitors.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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