Batak Ragidup or Ritual Cloth

Pale lattice on dark water, fringed at both ends.

Toba Batak weavers of Sumatra, Indonesia, made this ragidup, or ritual cloth, in cotton in the 20th century. Batak ulos cloths are commonly given and exchanged at major family events, and the ragidup is often counted among the most significant of them. A finely patterned field in pale blue and white, with narrow diamond-like shapes, sits within wide navy bands. Long twisted fringe finishes each end, with some threads gathered into knots. The cotton is soft and slightly matte.

About 77 by 38 inches. Fine over a table, finer on a wall.