Sumba Ikat Textile with Horse and Crab Motifs

This large hand-woven ikat textile from Sumba features a deep brown ground organized into horizontal registers filled with traditional motifs. A prominent red band displays a procession of white horses in profile, while the central field contains a large ceremonial vessel form flanked by stylized tree motifs and smaller animal figures. Additional bands showcase geometric diamond patterns and cross-star designs in red, white, and blue accents. The textile terminates in a dark knotted fringe along the bottom edge. Measuring 272cm tall and 121cm wide, this piece was collected on Sumba island in 1973 and exemplifies the island'\''s renowned warp-ikat dyeing technique with its characteristic soft-edged motifs.