The traditional ikat weaving process describes the way the pattern is made. It is a very time consuming business. The undyed yarns are tied together in such a way that, when the frame containing all the yarns is put into the die, they remain uncoloured. It is called a resist-die technique. Repeated tyings and dyeings eventually produce a textile of beautiful multi-hued patterns. It is only made in three places in the world: Bali, Japan and Gujarat in India.

The geringsing textiles of Tenganan Pegeringsingan are produced by the double-ikat method, geringsing literally means against sickness. These cloths are said to have magical, protective powers and are frequently part of the ritual costume of the village. geringsing are handmade from start to finish in a process that can take ten years. The village of Tenganan itself, lies at the head of a narrow valley two miles from the east coast of Bali.

I stumbled across this magnificent photo of a woman weaving on the net, all I can see is the photographer’s details are simpleyoga.

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