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Indo-Pacific Art
Photo Credit: Christopher Gardner
Explore image in Head Wrapper (Bulang)
late 19th–early 20th century
Cotton; supplementary weft, supplementary warp, twining
182.88 × 36.83 cm (72 × 14 1/2 in.)
Hobart and Edward Small Moore Memorial Collection, Gift of Mrs. William H. Moore
1937.5419
The Batak of northern Sumatra comprise six groups: the Toba, Mandaling, Angkola, Pakpak/Dairi, Simalingun, and Karo. All share a common origin myth and ancestor (Si Raja Batak), have similar kinship and marriage customs, employ a common language and script, and emphasize certain ritual practices. Until the mid-twentieth century, political power was in the hands of chiefs and the council of elders, while spiritual power resided with the priest (datu), who had great influence on Batak life.
Geography:
Made in Sumatra, Indonesia
Status:
Not on view
Culture:
Batak
Period:
19th–20th century
Classification:
Textiles
Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
