Indonesian Mantle or Shoulder Cloth

A dark stripe down the middle, flanked by patterned bands of gold and brown.

Weavers in Biboki, West Timor, Indonesia, made this mantle or shoulder cloth in cotton in the 20th century. Handwoven cloths like this are commonly used as garments and as ceremonial or exchange goods in Timor. The center is a plain, deep grey-blue, bordered on each side by wide bands of warm tan and brown, patterned with rows of small woven shapes in blue and cream. Fringe tufts stand out at the ends.

About seventy-two by forty-six inches. A simple, long drop of cloth, easy to hang.