threads of life {introduction}

after much struggle, my topic is finally confirmed and on its way.

this is a project for my final year project in visual communication.

title: threads of life { a study on textiles in indonesia }

i chose this topic because i was interested in fashion, but to dig deeper into this volatile topic of fashion it was needed to study textiles and cultural attire as a South East Asian country, and what better way it was to start from Indonesia; a land with diversity and cultural expression and personality that remains a source of exotic fascination.

Indonesia’s contemporary textiles industry thrives with national pride and international regard for its products. Museums in the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia and individual collectors likewise have sought out rare and beautiful examples of these traditional handcrafted cloths.

However, these traditional techniques may seem vulnerable in today’s technological society. As the country developed, it affected the traditions of these communities drastically.

there are many facets to this topic and textiles in indonesia is a complex network and layers of meaning and symbolism. i will attempt to unravel this in my final research paper. here is an overview of my table of contents.

Research Contents:

1. History and Origins
- The Indonesian Archipelago
- Historical background on the Asian Textile trade

- Influences

- Development and challenges

2. Indonesian Textile Techniques
- Plain weaves
- Decorative Weaves
- Other forms of decoration
- Dyeing techniques

- Materials

3. The Threads of Life

- The Indonesian way of life
- Ceremonial shoulder cloth
- Ceremonial Tubular Skirt
- Multipurpose scarf
- Ceremonial hanging cloth

4. Symbolism and Significance

- Textiles as gifts and items of prestige

- Textiles in ceremonial and ritual context

- Design as message

- Colour

- Technique and its meaning

5. Comparison

- Modern applications and surviving traditions in Singapore

- Questions Singapore’s fashion trends as a South East Asian country our daily wear and meaning to such clothing we wear today

{Revised 11/09/09}

By Joanna Teo Shi Yin