In this beautifully illustrated book, three experts examine the history, production and uses of textiles in Balinese society. Many fine pieces are presented, their raw materials and methods of weaving and dyeing are described, and the complex symbolism and ritual functions of each are explained in detail.

Textiles have long been integral to the social life and cosmology of the people of East Sumba, Indonesia. In recent decades, the people of East Sumba have entered a larger world economy as their textiles have joined the commodity flow of an international "ethnic arts" market stimulated by Indonesia's tourist trade. As Sumba's villagers respond to an immensely expanded commerce in their cloth, tensions and ironies emerge between historical and innovative forms in both cloth and lives. Such responses involve gender, ethnicity, and social rank, and are especially highlighted within global market spaces. The stories in Between the Folds vary widely and include those of animists, Christians, and Moslems; Sumbanese, Indonesian Chinese, and Westerners; inventive geniuses, master artisans, and exploited weavers; rogues, entrepreneurs, nobles, and servants.

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. In STORY CLOTHS OF BALI, Indonesian art expert Joseph Fischer shares his collection of more than 100 of these exquisite pieces alongside engaging text about how to utilize these textiles to study and appreciate traditional Balinese culture. The first major study of an unusual group of Balinese embroideries, STORY CLOTHS OF BALI is a fascinating glimpse into a culture rich with creativity, diversity, and tradition. Story cloths are used as ritual decorations and offerings in Balinese and Hindu temples, household ancestor shrines, and village ceremonial buildings. Discusses the various stitching techniques employed for each piece, how to determine the skill level of specific stitches, and the cultural significance of each textile. Includes a glossary of important Balinese characters and terms.

The Indonesian world is full of wonders and possesses an almost unrivalled variety of cultural manifestations within its compass. Amongst the lesser known aspects of Indonesia's rich cultural heritage - at least until recent times - has been the wealth of artistry in her textiles. Indonesian textiles have played a far more extensive and significant role than as mere sources of apparel or articles of trade. They have formed an integral part of the lives, beliefs and traditions of the diverse peoples of the islands and have reflected the intricate complexity of a vigorous indigenous culture flourishing in an immense variety of forms. Splendid Symbols was first published by The Textile Museum, Washington, D.C., in 1979 and reprinted with additional colour plates by Oxford University Press in 1985. This edition, enhanced by further colour plates and an updated bibliography serves not only as an introduction to the textiles of Indonesia themselves, but also as an introduction to the culture of the people who produce them.