Textile, Museum & Gallery -

Mission Statement

To preserve and to promote the traditional methods of Iban weaving, for the benefit of the community and the general public. To provide a greater understanding of Iban textiles and weaving tradition, both for local and international interests.

Background

Iban weaving is one of the major projects carried out by the Foundation. The project is also looking into ways of improving the value and quality of the woven textile. With modernization and the advent of new technologies, the traditional methods of Iban ikat weaving is being abandoned and only very few weavers are still using the traditional methods.

The Foundation maintains that the preservation of traditional patterns is also of utmost importance because they identify the Iban society.

The Foundation urges weavers to plant natural dye plants like engkudu (morinda), engkerebai and renggat/tarum (indigofera).

The Department has successfully co-organized an international exhibition of Iban ikat fabrics and weaving demonstration, in the United States of America. It was jointly organized with the Muscarelle Museum of Art (College of William and Mary in Virginia, Williamsburg) and the National Science Foundation, USA, July – August 1998.

mats

Sereni, Celia Brooke, YBhg. Datuk Amar Linggi

Ties That Bind: An Exhibition of Iban Ikat Fabrics, Muscarelle Museum Art, College of William and Mary, Williamburg, Virginia USA (11th July-16th August 1998)