Women's ceremonial shoulder cloth (gerengsing, selendang)

Long rectangular cotton cloth with twisted fringe along each crosswise end. The primary design, created by the double ikat technique, is of a repeating lattice of diamond and star motifs in reddish brown (mengkudu) and natural ecru on a blue-black (indigo) ground. Geringsing cloth is considered one of the most important ceremonial textiles in Bali, representing the concept of territorial, bodily and spiritual purity. These textiles are designed and made to be both worn and to be used in various other ritual contexts. Some geringsing, such as this one, reflect the strong design influence of Indian patola cloth.