Rich Colours of Flores

This textile is two panels sewn togheter and is called a Semba. It is worn for special ceremonies by the men of Ende in central Flores. It is made from natural dyes which the weavers in this area value over the common use of chemical dyes. Communities along the coast near Ende are both Christian and Muslim with common lineage and ancestors, and live together under shared adat customs. The natural dye work of this area is extremely complex and involves working with more than 17 different dye plants. The dye work requires months to complete. The central ikat motif on this textile is called Sinde represents python skin. Snakes are symbolic of regeneration as they continually shed their skin. This unique textile is lovely on as a wall hanging or used as a table runners. Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth. Warp ikat, two panels stitched together, open fringe, commercial cotton, natural dyes. Ikat tied, dyed and woven in Ende, Flores, 2025. Size 206 x 87 cm / 81 x 34.5 in