Uplifting spiritual stories, deep philosophies, and the role of women weavers (ecofeminism) of Sukarara Village, Central Lombok.
Every photograph on this site comes from fieldwork made together with the weavers of Sukarara.
Tracing the cultural roots of Sukarara songket
Every single piece of Sukarara songket is not just decorative fabric. It is a historical document capturing spiritual tales, social status, and Sasak life philosophies, passed down through generations since centuries ago.
Harmony with nature & the empowerment of Sukarara women
Women weavers (Inaq) are guardians of the ecosystem. By using natural dye ingredients like Indigo (blue) and Morinda/Noni (red), they foster a harmonious relationship between nature, weaving arts, and women's economic empowerment.
Sukarara Village welcomes researchers, travellers, and anyone who wants to learn weaving directly alongside the Inaq.
Sukarara Village, Jonggat District, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
Symbols of Sasak culture expressed through mesmerizing geometry and organic natural colors.
This motif depicts the shape of a moon surrounded by a geometric frame, symbolizing the concept of protecting the goodness, honor, and sanctity of the family. Philosophically, the Sasak people interpret this motif as a household that consistently upholds the dignity and honor of its inhabitants, while also representing a daughter whose honor is protected so that she can become a beacon of goodness for her family and community.
Derived from the dzikir phrase "Subhanallah" and the word "laek," meaning classic or ancient, this honeycomb motif symbolizes the extraordinary patience and perseverance of weavers of the past. Philosophically, this motif represents human devotion, gratitude, and sincerity to the Creator, where each intricate thread is accompanied by awe of God for the beauty of creation.
This motif is an adaptation of the classic Subahnale pattern, adapted to contemporary aesthetics ("nane" means now), with a more dynamic color scheme and composition. Its philosophy teaches the importance of adaptation and flexibility in facing the dynamics of the times, while maintaining the values of piety, gratitude, and ancestral cultural identity that remain intact amidst the tide of modernization.
Featuring two peacocks (keker) side by side or facing each other under the tree of life, this motif symbolizes elegance, glory, and noble character. Philosophically, the Keker motif symbolizes peace, compassion, and harmony in life, thus being deeply understood as a ward against disaster and a prayer for the couple to live in harmony and prosperity in their marriage.
This motif, which focuses on the composition of four elements or a geometric pattern of four corners, symbolizes the concept of balance in the universe, such as the four cardinal directions and the four basic elements of life (earth, water, fire, and wind). Its philosophy centers on creating social and spiritual harmony, namely a balanced relationship between humans and nature, fellow humans, and the Creator, for the realization of a just and stable order of life.
This combination combines the serene sacredness of the Subahnale honeycomb pattern with the vibrant and dynamic zigzag pattern of the Rang-Rang. Philosophically, this combination symbolizes the balance of human life: that no matter how intense the passions, turmoil, and worldly twists and turns one faces (Rang-Rang), everything must remain grounded and controlled by spiritual awareness, inner peace, and gratitude to God (Subahnale).
Witness the patience of skilled hands interweaving threads using traditional backstrap looms (Gedogan).
Documentary video: the step-by-step making of Sukarara songket.
Field photo albums: the weaving process, community activities, and everyday portraits in Sukarara Village.
A collection of scientific articles, field logs, and research documentations from the local team.
