April/May, 1998
No. 034/VI/98
cover story
Ground Breakers
Bali's top corporate
women
Out of the Frying
Pan
The legacy of widow
burning in modern Bali
beyond
bali
Pedal Power
Cycling around Lombok
regular
features
The cultural
value of
Indonesia textiles
Adventure
Off-road trips by Land
Cruiser
Home Grown
Bali's surf hero of
nineties, Rizal Tanjung
Health and Beauty
Mandara's many
Bali
spas
Books
The Butterflies of Bali
Food
Four delis that have
survived the crisis
Photo Gallery
F.X. Marit captures nyepi
on film
Jungle
Drums
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You don’t have to scour the far corners of Indonesia to find top quality traditional textiles at good prices. Bali has become the marketplace, particularly for antique textiles, from all over the archipelago, and serious collectors come here to buy. In fact, you will probably do better in Bali than if you went directly to the source of a particular type of textile. There is more selection in one place, and often better prices.
When you look at textiles, it’s best to start at the high-end, and
perhaps come back to it. Try the galleries at five-star hotels, then visit antique
shops in Ubud, Kuta and Seminyak. In reputable galleries, you generally get what you
pay for. They wouldn’t dare deceive customers by exaggerating the rarity and
quality of a piece, or by overcharging for modest ‘craft-quality’ textiles. On
the other hand, their finest textiles fetch high prices, as well they should - hundreds or
even thousands of dollars.
Traditional
textiles are handwoven works of art, requiring a tremendous amount of skill and
time. They are also highly valuable cultural artifacts, widely sought-after by collectors
and institutions. In recent years, the number of exhibitions and books on Indonesian
textiles has increased rapidly. Some pieces for sale in Bali are over 200 years old,
with age and rarity contributing to the price. These are artifacts that appreciate over
time, so don’t balk at an art gallery price for an investment quality textile. If you
think you’re going to snag a real treasure for pennies, think again. The fine
textiles market in Indonesia is mature and efficient. Dealers generally know what they
have, and its value.
Develop an eye for the kind of work you like, then shop around. You may
well return to the high-end shops, and obtain good value there, because their buyers
know the market, and are adept at sourcing the very finest examples. They are also more
likely to identify textiles correctly as to origin, age and quality. You can also expect
reputable galleries to offer literature and anecdotal information about collectible
textiles. They are your best local source of education, particularly if you ask to
meet the owner, who is certain to be more knowledgeable than the shop assistants.
Use your eyes. Judge for yourself. You are choosing a work of art, and your feeling is the best guide. Whatever type of textiles you choose to collect, choose well, and then rest assured that you have acquired an object of lasting value, for both its visible and invisible attributes.
photos and text by Kadek Susilawati
Above:
1. Sumatran batik with islamic prayers.
2. Batak ulos cloth.
3. The characteristically powerful batik motifs of Cirebon.
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