Library

National and International Publications on SEA Textiles

WEAVINGS OF POWER AND MIGHT – The Glory of Java

Author: Alit Veldhuisen – Djajasoebrata, 1988, 63 pgs, (English)
Publisher: Museum voor Volkenkunde, Rotterdam & The Textile Museum Toronto

Alit Veldhuisen’s volume represents her inaugural publication devoted to the study of Javanese batiks. In this work, the author concentrates on the diverse techniques of ornamentation and explores a wide spectrum of cultural and symbolic dimensions. The book examines the West Javanese myth of weaving, textiles imbued with magical potency, and the distinctive regional variations that characterize batik traditions. It further addresses the artistry of Cirebon batik, venerable floral motifs, and the symbolic resonance of the royal domains as bulwarks of tradition. Veldhuisen also investigates universal and proscribed patterns, the kain kembangan, and the imagery of the forest and the mountain. Additional chapters consider the compass card as an instrument of orientation, the representation of milestones in human life, and the emergence of new floral motifs grafted onto established traditions—aptly described as “new flowers on an old plant.”

WEEFSELS EN ADATKOSTUUMS UIT INDONESIË (TRADITIONAL TEXTILES AND COSTUMES OF INDONESIA) – Catalog

Author: Rita Wassing-Visser, 1980, 92pp. (Dutch). Softcover
Publisher: Volkenkundig Museum Nusantara, Delft, Netherlands

Most of the pieces on display coming from the collection of the Ethnologic Museum Nusantara, date from the years 1850 to 1950. Although ancient, these textiles are still in high demand and are still considered as ancestral heirlooms. The objective of this book is to document the collection in the hope that the younger generation in Indonesia and beyond will be inspired bij these beautiful heirlooms.

WEERZIEN MET INDIE. 8 Kleding en Sieraden. (REVISITING THE INDIES. NO.8. CLOTHING AND JEWELRY)

Author: Unknown, Magazine number 8 “Weerzien met Indie”. (in Dutch), magazine
Publisher: Waanders Uitgevers, Amsterdam

This edition of Revisiting the Indies, a publication originally associated with the former Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, highlights the intricate traditions of clothing and jewelry from the Netherlands East Indies. The magazine presents a vivid and richly illustrated exploration of cultural heritage, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the material culture of the archipelago. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the issue situates these artifacts within the broader historical context of Dutch colonialism, inviting reflection on the complex legacies of empire, identity, and cultural exchange. By weaving together visual documentation and scholarly commentary, the magazine serves as both an informative resource and a critical lens through which to reconsider the colonial past of the Netherlands in Southeast Asia.

WOMEN AND POLITICS IN ASIA. A Springboard for Democracy.

Author: Andrea Fleschenberg & Claudia Derichs (Eds), 2012. 173pgs. (English) Softcover
Publisher: Institut of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore

The participation of women in politics has become a central theme in contemporary discussions of democratic governance and social equity. Historically, women’s political engagement was constrained by structural barriers, cultural norms, and institutionalized discrimination. However, the gradual expansion of suffrage rights, coupled with broader movements for gender equality, has significantly altered the landscape of political representation. Women’s presence in legislative bodies, executive offices, and political parties has not only diversified the composition of governance but has also introduced new perspectives on policy-making. Research indicates that female politicians often prioritize issues such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, thereby broadening the scope of political agendas. Moreover, the visibility of women in leadership positions challenges entrenched stereotypes and contributes to reshaping societal expectations regarding gender roles.

WORLD Textiles. A Concise History

Author: Mary Schoeser, 2003. 224pgs. (English). Softc. To the techno techtiles of todayover
Publisher: Thames and Hudson-World of Art, London

The history of textiles, more than that of any other artifact, embodies the narrative of human ingenuity. From the earliest needles dating back approximately twenty-five millennia to the advanced techno-textiles of the present day, textiles have remained fundamental to human existence, universally cherished, esteemed, and imbued with cultural significance. Mary Schoeser’s groundbreaking volume offers a comprehensive chronological survey of textiles across the globe, spanning prehistory to contemporary practice. It examines the processes by which textiles are produced, the materials from which they are fashioned, their societal functions, and the diverse meanings and values ascribed to them. World Textiles serves as an indispensable introduction to this vast and compelling field, appealing to makers, designers, textile and fashion professionals, collectors, and students alike.

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