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Endek
The very distinctive tie-dyed woven cloth called endek is more popular with the native Balinese than with tourists. Worn all over the island for any occasion, endek is perhaps Bali's most visible craft. Scores of factories all around Gianyar and Denpasar, as well as Singaraja, manufacture this unique fabric. Using only wooden, hand-operated looms, endek is woven by the usual weft-ikat method; i.e., portions of the cloth are tied and wrapped before immersion in a dye bath. The overall effect ranges from an irregular, wavy, diffused look to the most primitive patterns. You also see triangular, zigzagging, and diamond designs, or unusual outlines of animals or masks. The fuzzy irregularities of this native cloth are hypnotic. The mottled patterns even appear to change color and shape in different angles of light. Factories, which number from six to 100 employees, can produce endek with up to six colors. It takes a weaver one-day to complete approximately one meter. The Balinese adore endek, wearing it on both formal and informal occasions. Men like sarong made of endek cloth, women wrap kain made of endek tightly around the hips (with no drapes). Colors range from dark blue and brown to vibrant greens, oranges, and reds. The cost is depending on the amount of colors used and intricacy of design. Colors do not bleed, and the weave is durable. Pay a call at Pertenunan AAA in Denpasar (Jl. Veteran 9), and Pertenunan Setia Cap Cili (Jl. Ciung Wanara 7) and Cap Togog (Jl. Astina Utara 11, two km before town) in Gianyar. A small endek factory is also located in Sideman (Karangasem Regency). All factories have showrooms, and photography is allowed in the workshops. |
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