Ensaid Panjang Ikat Weaving Fabric: The Charm of Its Beauty and the Artisans Behind It
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| Ensaid Panjang Ikat Weaving Patterns. Photo by Kris Lukas. |
The ikat weaving fabric is both an art form and a cultural treasure of the Dayak people in Ensaid Panjang Village, Sintang Regency.
The creative process begins with selecting cotton fibers as the main raw material. In the past, the Dayak community used wild pineapple fibers, known for their superior thread quality.
Cotton fiber
Once the materials are harvested, the next step is washing and bleaching the fibers to remove any impurities. The clean fibers are then dipped in natural dyes derived from plants. This step not only colors the threads but also carries deep philosophical significance.
After the dyeing process, the threads are manually spun by skilled weavers. They arrange the threads according to pre-designed patterns, reflecting cultural values, myths, and the connection to the surrounding nature.
The next crucial step is the tying process, where the threads are bound according to the desired design. This stage is key to creating the unique ikat fabric.
Once the threads are tied, they are woven on traditional looms, requiring precision and skill to ensure the pattern comes out clearly. The completed ikat fabric is then sun-dried, and undergoes finishing touches such as edge trimming and other final details.
The philosophy embedded in the ikat fabric from Ensaid Panjang represents the deep connection between humans and nature, with patterns that symbolize spiritual meaning, myths, and the cultural values of the Dayak people.
The uniqueness of Dayak ikat fabric
The true excellence of this Dayak ikat fabric lies in the use of natural threads and plant-based dyes, as well as the traditional crafting method known as *kain besuoh*. The motifs often reflect nature, animals, or plants that are central to the daily lives of the Dayak people. This fabric is frequently used in traditional ceremonies and holds sacred significance.
Ikat fabric from Ensaid Panjang holds great potential—not only as a valuable cultural product but also as a tool for promoting sustainable tourism in Sintang Regency. Tourists may be drawn to learn about the weaving process, the philosophy behind the designs, and purchase ikat fabric as souvenirs.
Weaving can also serve as a primary source of income for the local community, helping to preserve Dayak culture while being environmentally friendly, since it uses all-natural materials. Each piece of ikat fabric from Ensaid carries a unique design, color, and philosophy, with motifs that tell stories, myths, or cultural values of the Dayak people—making it a highly sought-after piece of authentic and valuable art.
Handcrafted, so priceless
This ikat fabric is meticulously handwoven using traditional wooden and bamboo looms, known as gedokan.
Creating a fabric of kebat size (similar to a tablecloth) usually takes about a month, while a larger kumbu (similar to a blanket) can take up to six months.
The motifs are inspired by elements such as plants, animals, rivers, and forests—essential parts of everyday life in Ensaid, Sintang. These motifs have been passed down from generation to generation, from elders to younger weavers. While new patterns occasionally emerge, the style remains deeply rooted in tradition, ensuring they don't stray too far from the classical motifs.
The beauty of traditional craftsmanship lies in the use of natural materials and the preservation of time-honored weaving techniques, providing authenticity that is hard to find in modern woven fabrics, which often use synthetic materials and chemical dyes.
—Ruma Kencana