The Collection

Ceremonial Cloth (Pua Sungkit)


This ceremonial textile (pua sungkit) from the Iban people of northern Borneo is adorned with imageries of snake devouring its tail executed in supplementary weft. The central field is bordered above and below by a broad plain red border decorated with a single row of plant motifs.

Title: Ceremonial Cloth (Pua Sungkit)

Artist: Unknown

Creation Date: Early 19th century

Geography: Kalimantan (Indonesia)

Culture: Iban

Medium: Cotton, natural dyes

Technique: Plain weave, supplementary weft wrapping

Dimensions: 70.5 x 215 cm (27 3/4 x 74 5/8 in)

Classification: Textiles

Credit Line: Gift of Helena Hernmarck in memory of Mary Kahlenberg

Object ID Number: 2022.1.25