The Fabric of Life: Ikat Textiles of Indonesia
February 28, 2006–September 24, 2006
The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, 1st floor
Opening reception:
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
6:30 - 8:30pm
via MMA site:
Organized by Eric Kjellgren, the Evelyn A.
J. Hall and John A. Friede Associate Curator for Oceanic Art, in
collaboration with Christine Giuntini, Conservator, both in the
Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas at the
Metropolitan Museum.
Learn more about this exhibition
View images from this exhibition
The diverse ethnic
groups of Indonesia are renowned for the richness and variety of their
textiles. Created by women and used by both sexes, textiles in many
Indonesian societies are both literally and figuratively interwoven
with an individual's life from earliest infancy to the wrapping of the
funerary shroud. This exhibition explores the imagery, forms, and
functions of one of the most important, widespread, and technically
sophisticated of all Indonesian textile traditions---the colorful and
boldly patterned fabrics known as ikat. Drawn primarily from the Metropolitan's own collection, the exhibition includes ikat
from several distinctive regional traditions. The imagery ranges from
vibrant geometric compositions to figural patterns woven with
astonishing artistic and technical virtuosity.
This exhibition is made possible through the generosity of the Friends
of the Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
Educational Programs
A variety of educational programs will be offered, including family
programs in English and Spanish, gallery talks, and a "Sunday at the
Met" afternoon on March 26, 2006. See the online calendar for a list of programs organized by date.
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