SOLD: Man’s Blanket, East Sumba

Hinggi
East Sumba
Cotton (handspun)
20th century
Dimensions: 128 cm x 268 cm; 51″ x 107″ (excl. fringes)
Ex Anthony F. Granucci collection
Published: Art of the Lesser Sundas, 2005

This marvelous hinggi from East Sumba displays a bold central design of flying birds in contrasting blue & white colors flanked by two bands of stylized deer or perhaps cockerels. The juxtaposition of birds in white foreground and blue background is reminiscent of work by renowned Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. While not entirely traditional in its design, the highly developed skill and visual imagination of the weaver are clearly apparent.