The Year of Batik: Threads of Life
Women make the indigenous textiles across Indonesia, and the pivotal role traditional textiles play in transmitting culture between generations means that women are central custodians for cultural survival. Practically, getting money into the hands of women is the best way to ensure household welfare. For these reasons, Threads of Life works directly with over 1200 women weavers and supports the development of more than 35 weavers’ groups on 12 Indonesian islands across the communities where we work.
Image: Lungsiakan Gallery, Threads of Life.
Image: Lungsiakan Gallery, Threads of Life.
All Threads of Life textiles are produced by traditional methods, with only those innovations by modern weavers that fit the local cultural framework. Their textiles are not copies of classic antiques, but the latest evolutions of living traditions, re-felt and re-imagined by the women who weave them.
Threads of Life encourages weaving communities to redevelop lost techniques of weaving and natural dyeing. They provide economic and technical support while cooperatives research and rediscover local practices, a process that can take years to complete. The result is a sustainable, natural, traditional method of textile production, with complete cultural integrity. The process and the results move the weavers to great pride of ownership, and inspire the extraordinary quality of their work.
Image: Lungsiakan Gallery, Threads of Life.
Threads of Life have recently launched a new Lungsiakan Gallery, a treasure trove of beautifully crafted goods of batik, basketry and woodwork.
Find out more and plan your visit:
threadsoflife.com