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Thursday 19 September 2013
The Meaning of the Word Batik
Where does the word 'batik'
come from? There are several theories on the origins of this craft. The word
"batik" is Indonesian in origin. The word batik also occurs in
Javanese as Ambatik, which actually means drawing and writing. Batik has
evolved around the principle that wax and water repel each other, therefore an
area of fabric that has been covered with wax is unable to accept dye. The
Indonesian word "tik", meaning a drop (referring to the small drops
of hot wax), shows how the word batik was derived.Where does the word 'batik'
come from? There are several theories on the origins of this craft. The word
"batik" is Indonesian in origin. The word batik also occurs in
Javanese as Ambatik, which actually means drawing and writing. Batik has
evolved around the principle that wax and water repel each other, therefore an
area of fabric that has been covered with wax is unable to accept dye. The
Indonesian word "tik", meaning a drop (referring to the small drops
of hot wax), shows how the word batik was derived.
History of Batik Batik is a
very ancient craft dating back at least two thousand years. Batik has been
continuously practice in Java for centuries. It was around 1500 that travelers
first brought back tales of highly artistic batik fabric on which people worked
for months on end. At the close of the last century the technique was
introduced to European arts and crafts. Batik has even more enthusiasts today
because it produces excellent effects.
It can be defined as a method of applying a colored design on to textiles by
waxing those parts that are not to be dyed. Evidence of its practice has been
discovered in most Eastern and Middle Eastern countries including India, China,
Japan, Persia and Egypt, but although its actual source is unknown, it was on
the island of Java in Indonesia that the art reached its peak development.
Through the centuries Javanese craftsmen have perfected the art, reflecting the
culture and religion of their country in the richness of colors and the
detail of the designs on their fabrics. These traditional designs have been
passed on from one generation to another and are mainly based on the flora and
fauna of their surroundings and this form of expression adapts to society now
as easily as it did many years ago. Clothes worked in batik are represented
frequently in classical literature of Java. Any mention of magnificent dress
always signified batik work. Batik apparel was formerly the clothing of
aristocracy. The peasant woman wove the cloth but the lady did the batik. She
had time to spare and hers was the gentle hand needed for the work, while the
servants attended to the household duties.
Just as the Japanese lady concocts artistic floral arrangements so, even today,
the educated Javanese does batik on fabrics, and in this she develops a highly
artistic sense. The stylized designs include the native flora, butterflies and
birds of paradise. Moreover, these ladies are able to work their individual
designs harmoniously into an extensive piece of work.
The original article can be found at the Inside African Art Website:
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