The Tenun Process

The word tenun means weaving in Bahasa Indonesia.  There are two main kinds of tenun, ikat and lurik.  Ikat, the more commonly known, is tightly wrapped to create intricate patterns.  Lurik, which means striated, creates a striped pattern.  These alluring, intricate textiles begin with a single thread.  Before the weaving even begins, each strand is hand-dyed, air-dried and examined for uniform hue and tone.  Fibers are then spun and individually threaded into the loom in specific order to form the desired motif, all while checking that each thread has consistent tension.  The weavers discipline and dedication to their craft is a dwindling art that is being preserved in a select few weaving studios in Java, Indonesia.