Man's mantle (Hinggi) c. 20th century

This mantle, or Hinggi, was made by an anonymous artist. Woven textiles like this are not simply lengths of cloth; they are powerful cultural objects. This Hinggi uses a technique called ikat, where the threads are resist-dyed before weaving. Imagine planning out a pattern in advance, and then having to tie off sections of thread to prevent them from taking the dye, and then after dyeing, weaving the threads together in the correct sequence. The visual effect is extraordinary: lines soften and blur, creating a gentle movement on the surface. This labour-intensive process imbues the Hinggi with its significance. The motifs woven into the fabric are also important. The combination of abstract shapes and recognizable animals – horses, deer, and human figures – may refer to ancestor worship, or social standing. Paying attention to materials and making processes helps us appreciate the immense skill involved, and allows us to look beyond conventional distinctions of art and craft.