1.
INDONESIAN BATIK
Batik (Javanese pronunciation: [ˈbate?]; Indonesian
pronunciation: [ˈbaːtik]; English: /ˈbætɪk/ or /bəˈtiːk/)
is a cloth that traditionally uses a manual wax-resistdyeing
technique.

2.
Javanese traditional batik, especially from Yogyakarta and
Surakarta, has special meanings rooted to the Javanese
conceptualization of the universe. Traditional colours include
indigo, dark brown, and white, which represent the three major
Hindu Gods (Brahmā, Visnu, and Śiva).

3.
This is related to the fact that natural dyes are only available
in indigo and brown. Certain patterns can only be worn by nobility;
traditionally, wider stripes or wavy lines of greater width indicated
higher rank.

4.
Consequently, during Javanese ceremonies, one could
determine the royal lineage of a person by the cloth he or she was
wearing. Other regions of Indonesia have their own unique
patterns that normally take themes from everyday lives,
incorporating patterns such as flowers, nature, animals, folklore or
people.

5.
The colours of pesisir batik, from the coastal cities of northern
Java, is especially vibrant, and it absorbs influence from the
Javanese, Arab, Chinese and Dutch culture. In the colonial times
pesisir batik was a favorite of the Peranakan Chinese, Dutch and
Eurasians.

6.
UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece
of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009.
As part of the acknowledgment, UNESCO insisted that
Indonesia preserve their heritage. In Java, Indonesia, batik
predates written records.

7.
.
GP. Rouffaer argues that the technique might have been
introduced during the 6th or 7th century from India or Sri
Lanka.[6] On the other hand, JLA. Brandes (a Dutch archeologist)
and F.A. Sutjipto (an Indonesian archeologist) believe Indonesian
batik is a native tradition, regions such as Toraja, Flores,
Halmahera, and Papua.
Source : www.slideshare.net
by : Dwi anggrainy A.