Indonesian Futus Manu or Man's Waist Cloth

Red stripes with a woven sign in the middle.

Weavers of East Timor, Indonesia, made this futus manu, a man’s waist cloth, in cotton in the 20th century. Timorese woven cloths are commonly worn at the waist or shoulders, and their patterns are often tied to clan and region. Bands of red, pink, orange and pale stripes run the length of the cloth, interrupted by two narrow panels of dark and white interlocking motifs. Knotted fringes hang at both ends. The cotton is soft and slightly rumpled.

About sixty-five inches long. A long cloth, a short list of colors, and no need for a frame.