I have just returned from a visit to Amsterdam to see two exhibits currently running at the Tropenmuseum. They are: 'Woven Worlds' and 'Batak in the Picture'. See further details of the two exhibits on the Batak in Europe website:
http://www.bonapasogit.nl/Pagina's/Enge ... ovenworlds
A summary of the textile exhibit:
WOVEN WORLDS (WERELD VAN WEEFSELS)
Exhibition in the Park Room of the Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam
Guest Curated by Dr. Sandra Niessen
17 February – 2 July 2006
The exhibition shows beautiful examples of Batak textiles, and the story of their collection. For centuries the Batak lived a relatively independent existence in the North Sumatran highlands. After coming contact with the colonial power in the eighteenth century, their culture changed significantly. At the same time, museums began to collect these textiles. The Batak objects in the exhibition offer insight into the development of their culture as well as the priorities, motives, and strategies of four collectors: Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk, Johan Ernst Jasper, Tassilo Adam and Sandra Niessen.
I very much enjoyed both exhibits. There are some very special Batak
ulos (mainly Toba Batak) in the Woven Worlds exhibit and there were several of them - mainly the older pieces - which I was very much drawn to. I was very fortunate indeed that the guest curator of the exhibit and author of two published books and several articles on the Batak, Dr Sandra Niessen, showed me around the exhibit and shared her knowledge and the thinking behind the exhibit with me. I also heard about a new book on Batak textiles authored by Sandra which is expected to be published in mid-2007. I will put information on this upcoming book on our books forum as this will really be one to watch out for.
The Tropenmuseum is an excellent museum to visit and I was very impressed by the quality of their displays. Also a good shop and excellent restaurant faclilities. It is easily accessible via the tram system.
http://www.kit.nl/ Much of the website has English as well as Dutch text.
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Pamela
http://www.tribaltextiles.infoon-line tribal textiles resource