“This book sets out to celebrate the rich weaving heritage of Indonesia and to provide a general introduction and overview of the weaving traditions both past and present. Drawing on the expertise and knowledge of recognized academics, as well as the personally acquired understandings of informed collectors, the book will provide a valuable addition to the steadily growing body of knowledge on Indonesian textiles.

In addition to explaining the weaving techniques that were, and are, practiced throughout the archipelago, this book also focuses on the visual symbolism of the textiles. Although highly appreciated for their beauty, the designs and motifs are also an important record that may be ‘read’ by both wearer and onlooker. Certain techniques and designs may be dated back to approximately 3000 BCE when warp ikat was widely practiced.

The Dongson influenced designs of that period may still be seen in modern weavings from all over Indonesia. Later other cultures introduced their weaving techniques and motifs to the melting pot that became today’s multicultural society. Indian, Chinese, Arab and European influences all left their marks in the weaving traditions we see today. These aspects are explored throughout the pages of this book.

Another of the book’s strengths is the wide range of sumptuous colour images that adorn every page. Historical textiles from museum collections are placed side by side with contemporary examples to illustrate how ancient and traditional designs developed into contemporary expressions that reflect the dynamics of a constantly evolving society. Archival photographs of textile weaving and use are also juxtaposed to contemporary practices and use.” via dgi-indonesia.com

Illustrations by Arief Timor via dgi-indonesia

The first outfit was inspired by the Gameland. A Gameland is a musical ensemble from Indonesia, typically from the islands of Bali or Java.

The second outfit was inspired by the Sasando. The Sasando is a traditional musical instrument from West Timor and the surrounding area.

Designed by Mira Warganegara

Bima vs. Duryudana Flip-flops created by Husni Muarif is a tribute dedicated to the legendary Indonesian cartoon artist Teguh Santosa. via dgi-indonesia

Qouraq Indonesian Airline is the former private airline that few all over Indonesia. I am quite interested in the symbol (bird) of the logo but unfortunately there isn’t much info out there. They say that Qouraq is a mystical half bird half human. Has anyone got more info? Images via seeklogo, timetableimages, tribunkaltim, sugar.barok, and rato-kotztuete

Barong goes pop art was created by Deyaz a graphic designer from Indonesia. The Barong is a mystical creature who for many residents of the island of Bali, Indonesia is the village guardian. Thanks for getting in touch Deyaz. If you like to see more Barong related designs check out these paper Barongs here and here.

In 2007 the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Culture launched a logo for the Island Bali.

“After going to every step within a precise methodological framework, the Bali Visual Branding has taken shape, taking into consideration the values of the prior finding. Inline with the brand differentiation that underlines the natural and cultural aspect, the visual and tagline of Bali branding is dominant with a spiritual feel. This leads to the emergence of philosophical elements and meaning to support the spirit of Bali.
The logo is explained in 4 steps:

Visual
Symmetrical triangle
The triangle is a symbol of stability and balance. It is formed out of three straight lines in which both ends meet, taking the symbols of a blazing fire (Brahma – the creator), lingga or phallus. The triangle also represents the three Gods of the universe (Trimurti – Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa), three stages of nature (Bhur, Bwah and Swah Loka), and three stages of Life (Born, Live, and Die).

The triangle also explains the essence of the brand that is influenced by Tri Hita Karana, the basic value that will guide us to a balanced life.
Hinduism has other philosophy and meaning of the triangle shape.

The symmetrical floral motif
If the triangle is folded, the motif on each side will be identically the same. This shows how balance becomes a vital part in the design of: the harmony and peace according to the brand vision.

The floral motif is strong and dominant. This enhances the creativity of Balinese that are known for their highly skilled craftsmanship. The floral motif is used to show the closeness of Bali people to their natural surrounding, emphasizing its most strong virtue, the beauty natural landscape.

The crown on the triangle
The crown is a symbol of: accomplishment, great awareness, and nobility. It is the pinnacle of balanced living noted in the Tri Hita Karana (balance relationship with others, nature, and the creator)

Font
The Bali typography adopts the line and curves of the traditional Balinese alphabet. The B in Bali takes shape like a 3 and the Ang alphabet (Brahma’s sacred lettering). It is also consistent with the Tri Hita Karana, the triangle and the three-shaped B in Bali. A specific treatment is shown on the letter L, which rises and supports the crown. The true meaning behind it is the need to sustain a deep commitment from stakeholders to reach the highest achievement (crown).

Color
Branding Bali uses 3 dominant colors that represent Bali: Red, Black, and White (Tri Datu). Red represents Brahma—the creator, white—Wisnu, the nurturer, and Black—Siwa, the destroyer. The collaboration of these 3 colors which represents 3 Gods (Tri Murti) will guard Bali and the life it supports to live in harmony and move forward in peace.

Tagline : Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Shanti means “peace, if we say Shanti, we will be overflowed with a peaceful and harmonious spirit.
For Hindu people, Shanti is commonly said 3 times while adding the Om word (sacred script Ida Hyang Widhi Wasa—the one and only God) at the beginning and the end: Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Om which means peace be upon your heart, world, and the after life. Saying it 3 times is also consistent with the original concept that emphasizes the number 3 (Tri).

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti represents peace upon Bhuwana alit dan agung (yourself and the world) that will deliver a sacred and holy vibe that awakens a deep aura that balance and make peace to all living creatures.” via baliwww.com

Absolutely fantastic photos of the indigenous people on the Mentawai Islands shot by Joey Lawrence. I myself have been very fortunate to travel and meet the people of the Mentawai in 2001. The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. The people live a semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle in the coastal and rainforest environments of the islands. The Mentawai population is estimated to be about 64,000. The Mentawai language belongs to the Austronesian language family. The people are characterised by their heavy spirituality, body art and their tendency to sharpen their teeth, a practice they feel makes one beautiful. via graphic-exchange.com

The Balinese script is an abugida that was used to write the Balinese language, an Austronesian language spoken by about three million people on the Indonesian island of Bali. The use of the Balinese alphabet has mostly been replaced by the Roman alphabet. Although it is learned in school, few people use it. It is mostly used in temples and for religious writings. The Balinese script was derived from the Old Kawi alphabet, which ultimately derived from the Brahmi alphabet, the root of all the Indic and Southeast Asian abugidas. images via loc.gov, intersections, talkwiththeworld, dee-bali and wikipedia

Chocolove created Vintage 2007  limited edition chocolates from Tanzania, Ecuador, Dominican Requblic, Grenada and Java. The chocolate line is called “Chocolatour” and is are single origin, vintage chocolate bars and offers a world tour of chocolate.