The Cultures and Textiles of the Lesser Sunda Islands

The beautiful Lesser Sunda Islands that stretch eastwards from Bali are home to many different ethnic groups, each with their own language, oral history, rituals and ways of life. Many of these islands are famous for their textiles, with each one having its own distinct style. Textiles are not simply clothes that are worn to cover the body they convey messages about personal identity, social status, clan alliances and age. They are the cement that holds each community together. Some people say: ‘without cloth we cannot marry’. Textiles are also an important form of wealth equivalent to having money in the bank.

Come and join experts David and Sue Richardson on a 16-day tour through these magical islands. Visit traditional villages and markets, to see how local artisans make wonderful works of art using tools and techniques inherited from their ancestors. We will be hosted by tribal leaders and members of local royal families, and be welcomed with song, dance and traditional food. Sailing past active volcanoes, we visit sea hunters who demonstrate how they catch whales from tiny wooden boats. We try local palm juice, freshly tapped from the tree, palm wine at the distillery, and of course the ubiquitous betel nut.

During our three days on Sumba we admire the horsemanship of the locals, and are invited into homes to see how the bodies of the ancestors are kept wrapped in cloth, often for many years.

There’s also plenty of time to snorkel or paddleboard on coral reefs, eat on deck under the stars after a day collecting wonderful hand-made textiles and baskets.

Our tour includes 7 nights in hotels and 8 nights aboard a beautiful traditional Indonesian phinisi sail boat. Availability is very limited, so do get in touch if you want to join us. See: https://www.asiantextilestudies.com/tour.html