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"Osap" are a rare subtype of devotional textiles from North Lombok. These textiles were produced in the villages of Sembalun, in the crater of Mount Rinjani, and Bayan, on the outer seaward northern slope of the volcano.
Bayan is considered the entry point for Islam to the island in the late 17th century. The people in North Lombok practice a unique blend of Islam and the animism that preceded it. They are known as "Waktu Tiga" (Three-Prayer Muslims) because they "solat" (pray) three times a day instead of five.
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Osap - OA7
23" X 18"
Hand spun indigenous cotton
Natural Dyes
Mid to late 20th C
Osap - OA4
20" X21"
Hand spun indigenous cotton
Natural Dyes
90 grams
Osap - OA2
21" X 18"
Hand spun indigenous cotton - combination dyes
90 grams
The piece is still stiff from the rice paste that is used for sizing on the white field. Collected in the late 1980's -fresh from the loom.
All of these textiles are woven on a back-strap loom, which consists of little more than two sticks in front of the weaver. The technique is a float weave—alternating colors of warp threads are lifted up to form the pattern, creating a positive/negative effect called "siang-sore" (afternoon and evening).
The Osap serves two different ritualistic functions: it can be used as a funerary cloth to "close the face" of the deceased, or it may be placed under a Dulang (offering bowl) or over the offerings in the Dulang.
The overall condition of this textile is excellent and the color saturation is intense.
Osap - OA6
17.5" X 21.5" 95 grams
Hand spun indigenous cotton
Natural Dyes
Early 20th C
95 grams
There is a minor amount of thread breakage and very light staining in the upper right hand corner which is visible on the j peg of the full piece.
Vintage but unused this piece is shows the method of the making. Several panels are made, cut and used as necessary.
36" X 20"
reference no: OA3
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