Sirih Cover / Tutuik or Saputangan Siriah (Circa 1900) Ceremonial textile from West Sumatra

This ceremonial cloth, dating to approximately 1900, was traditionally used in Minangkabau cultural practices to cover festive food and sirih (betel leaves) during weddings and other significant events.

The central panel features a batik design made in Java, while the borders are hand-embroidered using the drawn-work technique (suji papan), associated with the village of Koto Gadang in West Sumatra. This technique involves removing selected threads from the fabric to create a warp and weft grid, into which designs are carefully stitched by hand using a needle and thread.

Introduced by Dutch women during the colonial era, this method was later mastered by local artisans in Koto Gadang, a village known for its refined textile craftsmanship. The embroidery was often carried out by young women trained specifically for such delicate work.

This textile reflects a blend of local tradition and colonial influence and stands as a significant example of ceremonial material culture from the region.

Product Details:

• Material: Cotton, silk, gold thread (plain weave)
• Origin: West Sumatra
• Estimated Date: Circa 1900
• Dimensions: 56 x 56 cm

Condition:

There are a few small tears and one visible repair in the batik panel, consistent with the textile’s age and use.

Please note:

Due to the antique nature of this item, it is sold as-is and is non-returnable, non-exchangeable, and non-refundable. Please carefully review the large-size product images for complete details before purchasing.