Batak Ragidup or Ritual Cloth

Dark bands of white flecks march down a narrow cloth with knotted tassels.

This ragidup, or Batak ritual cloth is Batak, from Sumatra, Indonesia, and dates to the 20th century. It is cotton. In Batak custom ulos are often given as gifts to express blessing, and the kind of cloth presented generally depends on the occasion and the relationship. Narrow dark panel with horizontal streaks of pale speckling and small bright markers along the edges. Striped borders in green and red sit near each end. Twisted, knotted fringe finishes both ends in black and white. It is 23.5 inches wide and 58 long.

Plenty of discipline in the stripes, and a wild streak in the tassels.