Kain Endek is a Balinese traditional woven fabric. People wear the fabric as part of their daily life, as formal attire and during religious ceremonies. It caught the attention of people globally when Dior added Kain Endek to its bag collection. This fabric has a variety of unique motifs from the sacred to those that reflect the nuances of nature. Here are interesting facts about Kain Endek that you need to know.
The Brief History
Kain Endek began to develop in 1975, namely during the reign of King Dalem Waturenggong in Gelgel Klungkung. Kain Endek then developed around the Klungkung area, one of which was in Sulang Village. Since Indonesia’s independence, the use of fabric is growing rapidly. From 1985-1995, Kain Endek developed rapidly because of the support from the government. At this time, the production process of Kain Endek already uses non-machine looms (ATBM). Then from 1996-2012, Endek fabric experienced a decline due to a lot of competition. This decrease was also due to the raw materials being difficult to obtain. However, in 2011, Kain Endek began to develop again due to the affordability of raw materials and began to be in demand as a material for making uniforms.
Made from Natural Colouring
The process of colouring motifs on threads in the manufacture of Balinese Endek cloth. Balinese Kain Endek is famous as a cloth made with a double bond or double tie method. Endek Bali usually has a variety of motifs themed on flora, fauna, and scenery or landscape. What makes this fabric special is that generally Endek Bali fabrics are coloured with natural colours from plants. This is a distinctive feature of this woven fabric.
Patterns and Colours Are Distinctive for Its Use
Kain Endek has a variety of patterns. Every area on the island of Bali, it has its own motifs and characteristics. Like Karangasem which has the Endek Sidemen pattern. There is also the Tenganan area which has a brown soil colour. For the Nusa Penida island area, the colours used are bright colours. Endek can be used for clothes, tops, bottoms, or bags, as long as the motif is not a motif that is considered sacred. For example, God patterns or holy letters. Furthermore, some Endek patterns are considered sacred, such as the Patra and Encak Saji motifs. This motif is only used for activities in temples or other religious activities.
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