Ceremonial Hanging (palepai)

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Known as “ship cloths,” ceremonial hangings like this one typically feature sailing ships and related imagery. In this composition, the large geometric designs depict stylized trees and mark an unusual departure from earlier, more traditional ship designs. Up until the end of the 19th century, these ceremonial textiles—called palepai —were important features in the Lampung province of Indonesia during rites of passage, such as marriage, death, or accession to a higher social rank. Such transitional moments were considered to be fraught with danger, and the palepai hanging served as a special form of protection.

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