Story Cloth or Tabing

Story cloths are used as ritual decorations and offerings in Balinese and Hindu temples, household ancestor shrines, and village ceremonial buildings. For thousands of years, Balinese textile artists have adorned simple cloths with elaborate embroidered depictions of classic folk epics. As one of the many artistic expressions of Balinese culture, these colorful pieces offer insight into the tradition of storytelling in Bali while reminding us that ancient universal themes of morality, man versus nature, and the triumph over adversity can be just as significant today. Each tabing is a complete composition in itself within a discrete square or rectangle. The appearance of the characters is not a part of a specific event in a story. The artist simply puts into her embroidery the characters and scenes that she likes the best.

The wayang characters, like gods, heroes, and demons from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics, flowers, nagas (dragons) and a variety of different animals are depicted in vibrant colors.

Origin: Negara, West Bali

Date: ca late 1950's

Dimension: 54" Wide x 33 1/4" High