"Songket", Balinese Upper Class
Songket Woven an important part in the daily and ceremonial life of the Balinese. They not only serve as protection against the cold and sun but are also symbols of status and well being of the wearer.Songket cloth is often brocaded (sungkit or nyuntik; decorated with an extra weft) with metallic thread.
This cloth is often worn during weddings and other religious occasions by the royal family and the upper class. Authentic Balinese cloth is specially designed and plays a significant role in religious, ceremonial and community life. A rather unique type of cloth known as kain "gringsing" originates from the village of Tenganan and follows the technique of ikat weaving.
Bali has a number of traditional cloths including batik, ikat and songket. The art of making these is passed down from generation to generation and they are used for daily life and religious ceremonies. is another heritage that has been passed down through generations of Balinese women.
Like many other local art forms, weaving is based on the principals of harmony. This is indicated in the Hindu philosophy Tri Hita Karana, which refers to the balance between man, his environment and God Almighty.
Art based on these values often reflects great beauty. Textiles in Bali are not only used for clothing purposes, but also as accessories in places of worship. Statues, shrines and even trees on the island are often shrouded in pieces of cloth.
The specific characteristi Songket is also handmade in other Indonesian territories and it is often promoted as the ideal cloth for performers as the composition of shiny threads never fails to draw audience attention to the grace and elegance of the dancer’s body.
The glimmer of gold and silver in songket cloth complements the dynamic spirit of traditional Balinese dance. A single piece of songket cloth takes up to three months to produce.
Many women in the village of Sideman in East Bali are quite adept at weaving and it is a skill that is passed down through generations of families from mother to daughter. There are generally three types of patterns that are followed in songket weaving and the cloth is matched to the religious occasion that it will be worn for, which includes dance performances, weddings, tooth filing rituals and cremation ceremonies.
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