Skip to main content

Batik: The Indonesian Identity





This post is originally posted on Journal Bullets (http://journalbulletunisel.blogspot.com/) and is posted here for educational purposes only.

                                                               
Known for its colourful and unique patterns, the Indonesian batik plays an important role in Indonesian fashion industry. It is commonly worn in various rituals, traditions and celebrations. Passed down from generation to generation, the craft of creating batik is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of the Indonesian people. Colours and designs are used to express an individual's creativity and spirituality beliefs. 

Although the neighbouring nations like Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines also produce batik, Indonesia is the longest-producing nation within Southeast Asia in recorded history. The fabric which originates from Java, with influences from Chinese, Arabian, and even European acculturations, was seen by UNESCO in October 2009 as a contribution to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for Humanity. 

Since then, Indonesians have reclaimed batik as a national icon and a core part of the Indonesian identity. Government officials, civil servants, and employees of state owned enterprises, employees of private corporations were also encouraged to wear batik at work. 


Thus, batik has also taken its place on the international stage being used in accessories such as handbags. Public figures such as Bill Gates, Nelson Mandela to Barack Obama, and from Beyoncé Knowles to Jessica Alba, have proudly walked the red carpet wearing a batik. 

Such advancements have influenced international designers from other countries to include batik in their design collections. Notably, the Belgian-American designer Diane von Furstenberg’s batik dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, while Angelina Jolie was seen wearing a batik dress by US designer Nicole Miller.


By Erica Pamela

Angelina in Nicole Miller

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gratitude

What is gratitude? Gratitude is a way of being thankful or show appreciation for and to return kindness. In the beginning, I only know gratitude as a greeting where we need to thank people for their help or time but I got to know that gratitude has much power in it. Special thanks to my friend for introducing me to this, she made wonders and so am I. So this is how it works, get a book, any book which is comfortable for you to write. Start your writing with "Thank you God" and end your writing with "Thank you, God". You have to write things about everything in the past tense. For example, you have applied for a job and you are waiting for their call. So you write like "Thank you, God, I have already joined the job" You gotta write as if it already happened. But this does not work all the time. The purpose of doing this where you create a positive vibe where good things have already happened and will happen if you have input your hard work. I have also ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sarees

A sari, saree or sharee is a ladies' article of clothing from the Indian subcontinent that comprises of an unstitched wrap fluctuating from 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) in length and 600 to 1,200 millimeters (24 to 47 inches) in breadth that is normally folded over the midsection, with one end hung over the shoulder, covering a bigger part of the midriff. There are different styles of sari produce and hanging, the most well-known being the Nivi style, which started in the Deccan region.The sari is worn with a fitted bodice ordinarily called a choli (ravike in southern India, and cholo in Nepal) and an underskirt called ghagra, parkar or ul-pavadai. In the cutting edge Indian subcontinent, the sari is viewed as a social icon. The word 'sari' developed from 'saatikaa'  referenced in most punctual Hindu writing as ladies' attire. The Sari or Sattika advanced from a three-piece group including the Antriya, the lower article of clothing; the Uttariya; a shroud...
Post a Comment
Read more

Zodiac sign and Astrology-Sagittarius

There are 12 astrological signs, also called the zodiac. In order, they are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pieces. Some may believe that different signs of the zodiac reveal a person's different characteristics and talents. Sagittarius(November 22-December 21) Curious and lively, Sagittarius is probably the greatest explorer among all zodiac signs. Their receptive outlook and philosophical view inspire them to meander the world over looking for the importance of life. Sagittarius is a social butterfly, idealistic and excited, and enjoys changes. Sagittarius-brought into the world can change their contemplations into solid activities and they will successfully accomplish their objectives. Like the other fire signs, Sagittarius should be continually in contact with the world to encounter however much as could be expected. The decision planet of Sagittarius is Jupiter, the biggest planet of the zodiac. Their ene...
Post a Comment
Read more