Ceremonial Skirt (tapis) c. early 19th century

This ceremonial skirt, or tapis, by Abung, captivates with its intricate patterns woven into the fabric. The composition strikes a rhythm of horizontal bands in earth tones. These bands, filled with stylized zoomorphic figures and geometric motifs, create a visual language inviting us to decode its cultural meanings. The structure relies on repetition and variation. Note how similar figures recur, yet each band introduces subtle shifts in color and pattern density. This interplay establishes a semiotic system where each element is a sign. As the eye moves across, a sense of symbolic depth emerges. The artist's mark becomes a cultural record, and each symbol carries stories of cosmology, status, and social identity. The ceremonial skirt stands not merely as a textile but as a complex text. Through weaving, the artist has engaged in a philosophical endeavor to express a community’s worldview.