Palepai maju (ceremonial banner)
In Indonesia textiles have great value as ritual objects and as a form of wealth. Among the most spectacular are the "ship cloths" of the Lampung region in Southern Sumatra, which often depict large ships. This unique beaded ship cloth is perhaps the finest surviving example of the type. The dimensions and design of this textile relate to wall hangings called "palepai," which were displayed by aristocrats on important ceremonial occasions such as marriages, circumcisions, and funerals.
The composition is dominated by two ships. The ship on the left, set in a night sky, holds a pyramidal shrine representing a sacred mountain or tree. The ship on the right, in a dawning sky, carries what may be a throne ("pepadon," or seat of merit). The ships are separated by a third ship, which bears a mountain.
The composition is dominated by two ships. The ship on the left, set in a night sky, holds a pyramidal shrine representing a sacred mountain or tree. The ship on the right, in a dawning sky, carries what may be a throne ("pepadon," or seat of merit). The ships are separated by a third ship, which bears a mountain.
Artwork Details
- Title: Palepai maju (ceremonial banner)
- Artist: Paminggir artists
- Date: 18th–19th century
- Geography: Indonesia, Sumatra, Lampung
- Culture: Lampung
- Medium: Fiber, ceramic and glass beads, cloth, nassa shells
- Dimensions: L. 162 x W. 48 1/2 in. (411.5 x 123.2 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Beadwork
- Credit Line: Gift of Anita E. Spertus and Robert J. Holmgren, in honor of Douglas Newton, 1990
- Object Number: 1990.335.28
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Paminggir artists
19th century
Lampung artist
late 19th–early 20th century
Cenderawasih Bay artist
late 19th–early 20th century
Toba Batak artist
19th–early 20th century
Lampung artist
19th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Showing 4 of 6
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.