Batik

The Batik is a very traditional Southeast Asian fabric that is popular in Indonesia and Malaysia. The fabric traditionally uses a manual wax resist dyeing technique. The theme of the fabric's patterns are usually flowers, animals, folklore or people and for the nobility the stripes of the pattern indicate ones rank and royal lineage.

Wax resist dyeing of fabric like linen was practiced in ancient Egypt and as some scholars thought, it probably was introduced by Indian traders to Indonesia around the 6th or 7th century but other scholars believe that the Indonesian art of making the batik fabric themselves originated within their region, Java, Indonesia.

The batik fabric is usually worn as a sarong, or it can be wrapped around the body or made into a hat. Wearing of batik in the Indonesian culture is truly part of their tradition. There are batik fabrics that are only meant to be worn for social gatherings, for weddings, and even for funeral. The patterns and color of the fabric has its own meaning and one should always wear the proper batik clothing meant for a particualr event. Today the batik is used for many purposes such as furnishing fabrics, heavy canvas wall hangings, tablecloths, household accessories and even as batik artworks or paintings.

The batik , a fabric that the Indonesians should be very proud of. It is truly a classic material and it can be part of one's stylish clothing and accessories.

Photo Credit: High fashion creation using Batik Fabric by Indonesian designer Chossy Latu
Photographer: Chandrahadi Junarto
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/c_junarto/2433560177/