Temple hanging (lamak), cotton/wool/silk/metal/glass, Bali, 1940-1960.
Long, rectangular, cream cotton panel, edges bound with red cotton strips, applied metallic sequins sewn to edge strips with black cotton thread. Divided into two main sections along the length, lower half with fine geometric applique cut from plain black cotton, lower sixth of this section is divided by a yellow wool appliqued band, two stylized black cotton figures separated by a similar yellow wool figure applied to panel below. Traces of purple silk thread visible on lower section.
Central square panel with circular brass edged mirror mounted into a patchwork block sewn from narrow overlapping strips of cream cotton, yellow wool, purple silk, two different floral cotton prints, gold printed black velvet, the whole creating a 'window' around the central mirror.
Upper panel with large single geometric figure, cut and appliqued from black cotton, wearing a high headdress and long tiered skirt. The skirt is worked with two upper strips of purple silk and gold printed black velvet, appliqued individual boteh motifs form lower skirt. Figure outlined with metallic sequins, traces of purple silk on headdress and at waist. The figure probably represents Dewi Sri, goddess of the rice paddies and agricultural fields.

This temple hanging was made in Bali.
Temple hangings are hung on shrines, temple doors and from tall poles outside. The female figure represents Dewi Sri, the Hindu goddess of rice and fertility, while the mirror piece is thought to deflect evil.

This temple hanging was made between 1940-1960.

Purchased 1982

A8485

1940

1670 mm

195 mm