Batik Papua motifs have characteristics that are no less interesting than other batiks in Indonesia. The model represents the unique culture and exotic natural wealth of Papua.
Each stroke of the batik motif has a different meaning. The distinctive colors and patterns of batik characterize the identity of a particular area in the Tanah Mutiara Hitam. The fabric is woven with the recesses of the heart, exuding human love for the natural surroundings.
Batik Papua is famous for its blend of asymmetrical motifs typical of the surrounding ethnicity and bright colors. It contrasts with the Javanese batik, which displays symmetrical motifs and dark colors. This Cenderawasih Island fabric makes anyone who wears it look more elegant and graceful.
Jayapura began to produce more and more Papuan batik after the Indonesian government received aid first from United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in 1985. Working together is commonplace in the neighborhood. Women make handmade batik creations, while men do stamped batik.
Philosophy of Batik Papua
Rarely heard, it turns out that the existence of batik in Papua has penetrated the European market, you know. A batik craftsman first popularized in Papua, Jimmy Afaar. Because of their creativity, various batik motifs manage to have interesting philosophies in them.
Here are several interesting and philosophical facts about batik from Papua:
1. Emerging Era 1985
Initially this Indonesian cultural heritage has been known since 1985. During this era, the existence of batik was still very rare. Certain social status circles can only wear It.
Launching at batiktulis.com, the Indonesian government received the spotlight from the United Nations to preserve the culture of eastern Indonesia. This culture is represented by The United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Thanks to this, the Papuan batik market is increasingly recognized and in demand by foreign tourists.
2. Typical Papuan Clothing
The use of batik in Jakarta for certain cultural events differs from Papua. Batik clothes are common in this eastern part of Indonesia. The motif also highlights Papua’s natural wealth with a blend of other cultures.
3. Mixing Culture
There is a known mix of Papuan batik culture with the unique culture of other regions. At first, Pekalongan, Central Java’s traditional batik style, had a big effect on it.
The high interest of the community makes the batik mixing market soar. The various motifs produced to make this batik has a distinctive character, you know. Moreover, each piece of cloth’s colors is striking and beautiful.
A Brief Guide to Papuan Batik Motifs
1. Cendrawasih Motifs
The birds of paradise have become an icon of Papu, a nickname “Bird of Paradis.”. The beauty of its fur and tail is incomparable. This batik motif emphasizes the beauty of the bird of paradise and Tifa’s musical instrument. These batiks are primarily green, red, and golden yellow. The dashing bird of paradise patterned batik gives a firm impression of the wearer’s appearance.
2. Asmat
Asmat motifs are popular in Papua. Its name is taken from the native tribe of the inhabitants of Cendrawasih Earth. Typically, the Asmat tribe’s distinctive carvings, such as sitting wooden sculptures, predominate in this batik. The color of the batik also has its characteristics, more brown with a mixture of earth and terracotta colors (red-brown).
3. Prada
The Motif Prada motif offers luxury and splendor with a touch of gold stripes. Papuans typically combined this batik with the hues of red and black. The elegant design makes Batik Prada the priciest and most gorgeous from Papua. They choose the highest quality silk-based yarn in the manufacture. They are sometimes relying on a suit of cloth material similar to silk and cotton.
Wrapping Up
Papua’s natural potential and cultural diversity have caught everyone’s hearts for all time. It is an excellent opportunity to wrap an entire “Papua” bundle in a lovely piece of batik Papua. Papua batik is an attempt to depict the many Papuan cultural traditions, as well as their indigenous knowledge and tribal emblems.
