Batak Ragidup or Ritual Cloth

Nearly black and tightly ribbed, with a striped hem that saves the day.

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. Tall, slim cloth in deep charcoal with fine vertical ribbing down the center. Plum-toned side panels frame it. A band of pale stripes crosses the lower end above knotted fringe, with matching pale threads at the top. It is 80 inches wide and 31.5 long.

Sober from the front, and quietly showing off at the hem.