> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Stan Florek > Reference:: Florek, S., _Torajan ceremonial textiles_. (2020). The Australian Museum. https://australian.museum/learn/cultures/international-collection/indonesia/torajan-ceremonial-textiles/ > Date:: 2020 > Tags:: #warp #Indonesia #textiles > WeftLinks:: [[Cultural value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft strengthens relationships between members of a cultural group]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > The Toraja weave sekomandi. a sacred cloth with zigzag pattern, which is now used as a wedding gift. ### Highlights >The Toraja make their own textiles, and hand-woven cloths are an essential part of their traditions. Sometimes local designs are produced on imported cotton fabric. Different types of textiles are used in various rituals. Family groups have sets of sacred cloths, such as scarfs and headdresses as well as wall hangings displayed at ceremonies. Some of the distinct types include __sekomandi__, __sarita__, __pori lonjong__ and __poté__. >The __sekomandi__ signifies the brotherhood of the villagers. The abstract zigzagging pattern represents the human life journey. These cloths are the largest and most valuable ikats of the Toraja.[Torajan ceremonial textiles - The Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/learn/cultures/international-collection/indonesia/torajan-ceremonial-textiles/) The Toraja make their own textiles, and hand-woven cloths are an essential part of their traditions. Sometimes local designs are produced on imported cotton fabric. Different types of textiles are used in various rituals. Family groups have sets of sacred cloths, such as scarfs and headdresses as well as wall hangings displayed at ceremonies. Some of the distinct types include __sekomandi__, __sarita__, __pori lonjong__ and __poté__. * * * ![[Attachments/4838c2a1ffc9fbe3e5acd89758008d91_MD5.jpg]] >The __sekomandi__ signifies the brotherhood of the villagers. The abstract zigzagging pattern represents the human life journey. These cloths are the largest and most valuable ikats of the Toraja. Now very rare, they were woven only in the villages of Ronkong and Kalumpang and traded south to the Sa'dan Toraja. The __sekomandi__ shrouds are handed down within families, and must be kept separate from other personal objects at home, because of their use as a wrapping for corpses. Recently they are also used as wedding gifts and decorations in marriage ceremonies. Now very rare, they were woven only in the villages of Ronkong and Kalumpang and traded south to the Sa'dan Toraja. The __sekomandi__ shrouds are handed down within families, and must be kept separate from other personal objects at home, because of their use as a wrapping for corpses. Recently they are also used as wedding gifts and decorations in marriage ceremonies.