1448 Antique Iban Pua Kumbu Sungkit Woven Textile

This type of weaving is now extinct making this category a highly coveted one.

19th century ceremonial weaving, “Pua kombu / kumbu sungkit” in hand spun cotton.

In this type of weaving motifs are created using a supplementary weft.

Such textiles played an important role in headhunting ceremonies and hence were among the most tediously decorated woven works.

The sungkit weaving process is now extinct.

Iban people (a subsection of the Dayak), Borneo, 19th century.

78” x 24.5” (198 x 62 cm).

Link 1 to a similar but younger example: Sotheby’s

Link 2 to a similar but younger example: Sotheby’s

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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