Royal Ceremonial Tapestry: Marapu Weavings from Sumba Island
The Saskatchewan Craft Council Gallery presents an exclusive exhibition of rare textiles from the isolated island of Sumba, Indonesia. Shown publicly for the first time!
Collector Geoffrey Bendel has accumulated this incredible collection since the mid 1980s and says: "These textiles have an amazing impact upon those who see them. It is my desire not only to provide a wonderful viewing experience, but also to show the techniques involved in their production."
The curator at the Jakarta Textile Museum has described this as one of the larger and moreimportant private collections of Sumbanese textiles and artifacts ever assembled.
This display of rare Royal textiles features the very finest Ikat, created for aristocratic ceremonial purposes. The Ikattextile process is a complex and technical tradition practiced across millennia through Asia and the Middle East. The people of Sumba have refined this complex process. It can take up to two years to complete a piece. The Saskatchewan Craft Council is honoured to present these exquisite tapestries and weavings made by indigenous women — who practice Marapu, Sumba’s ancestral religion.
Along with the educational components in this exhibition, there are also numerous artifacts from Sumba including carvings, swords, beads, statues and pottery. It is a one-of-a-kind, must-see show!
Most of the work in this exhibition will be for sale. The proceeds will help fund the continued production and protection of this fascinating technique and cultural form. Bendel’s hope is to work with established members of the Ikat weaving community, focusing on distribution and fair pay, locating materials and dyes for weavers, as well as creating promotional projects.
Exhibition Dates:
April 29 to May 28, 2016
Public Reception:
Friday, May 6, 7 - 9 pm
Q & A with the Collector,
Geoffrey Bendel: Participants will be able to ask Geoffrey Bendel questions about his extensive knowledge on the textiles as well as Sumbanese culture!
Monday, May 9
10 am & 1:30 pm
For further information, to arrange an interview, or for high resolution images, please contact:
Leslie Potter & Maia Stark, Exhibitions & Education Coordinators
Saskatchewan Craft Council 813 Broadway Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7N 1B5
