Batik Garuda Sarong

Stamp print, navy and brown

This sarong features repeating, stylized stamped prints of Garuda, the legendary divine creature with the body of a human and the wings, beak, and talons of an eagle. Garuda, Sanskrit for "eagle" or "bird" serves as the loyal vehicle (vahana) and companion of the Hindu god Vishnu. Bali, Indonesia has the largest concentration of Hindus in Indonesia. A Garuda sarong typically refers to a traditional Southeast Asian textile featuring Garuda in its design.

 This sarong is perfect example of a batik cap (stamped) textile.  The design was created by repeatedly stamping a natural fabric (such as cotton or silk) with a wood and metal stamp called a tjap or cap (pronounced and sometimes called a chop). This tool consists of intricately shaped thin copper strips welded or soldered onto a metal framework with a handle (often featuring wooden elements or gripped via a handle). Artisans dip the tjaps into molten wax to quickly and repeatedly stamp designs onto fabric.

  • The melted wax blocks out specific areas, preventing dye from penetrating those sections. This process of waxing, dyeing, and dewaxing can be repeated in layers to create vibrant, intricate multicolored designs.

     

    An Indonesian sarong is a traditional tube-shaped garment made from brightly colored fabric, usually silk, cotton, or rayon. It is wrapped around the lower body by both men and women and tucked or tied at the waist. The garment is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, serving as everyday clothing, ceremonial attire, a versatile household item and in Bali, a beach cover-up.

 

  • Title: Batik Garuda Sarong

  • Date: 1996

  • Geography: Java, Indonesia

  • Medium: Cotton

  • Dimensions: H. 86.5 in.  W. 40.25 in.

  • Provenance: Purchased in Yogyakarta (or Jogja), Indonesia

  • Inventory Number:  IND.12