Weaving Webs of Protection: Gringsing Textiles

Abstract

This article discusses the meaning and significance of Gringsing textiles for people of Tenganan Pegringsingan village specifically, and for people in Bali more generally. People in this village treat Gringsing textiles as a sacred object that provides protection for the people who make and wear it. The textile’s name aligns with the literal meaning of Gringsing, which is the absence of, or protection from, illnesses. The concept of protection interconnects the makers and the users. During the process of creation, the makers create protection through each step of the process; then, in reciprocation, the textiles provide protection to the makers and users.

Keywords:

• colors
• double ikat
• Gringsing
• patterns
• protection
• symbolism

Acknowledgments

We would like to convey my gratefulness to the people in Tenganan Pegringsingan village who have openly welcomed my arrival to conduct research. I would like to say thank you to my gatekeeper Mbok Martin who has introduced me to the chiefs of the village, weavers and pattern makers and for her generous support throughout the process.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nyoman Dewi Pebryani

Nyoman Dewi Pebryani is a lecturer in the Fashion Design major at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar, Bali. Her research focuses on traditional textiles and patterns within the textiles. [email protected]

Melissa Vogel

Dr. Melissa Vogel is a Professor Emerita of Anthropology at Clemson University with specialization in applied anthropology, gender, and archaeology. She has researched and published on cultural heritage and design for over 20 years.