New look
The striped woven material known as lurik is often considered boring and worn only by the older generation. But the fabric has entered a new, promising chapter, and is being turned into attractive and colourful products.
Modern lurik, with a wide variety of designs, is now being produced by the Lawe cooperative, which belongs to an association of Yogyakarta weavers called the Lawe Association, set up in 2004.
In the past, the fabric came mostly in dark colors and used to be appreciated simply for its functional value - being worn by people taking part in traditional rituals or ceremonies.
As a consequence, many weavers who used to produce lurik - a traditional craft inherited from ancestors - have gone bankrupt, since the product was no longer sought after in the market
New look: Different products made from striped woven material known as lurik are produced by Yogyakarta’s Lawe cooperative. They include bed covers, wallets, bag and clothes.New look: Different products made from striped woven material known as lurik are produced by Yogyakarta’s Lawe cooperative. They include bed covers, wallets, bag and clothes.
In the hands of the Lawe cooperative, lurik now comes in brighter colors with a touch of modernity, following market demand.
"We wanted the craft of woven lurik to be seen as a new icon in Yogyakarta, standing side by side with batik. We wanted it to find its place in all parts of society. Lurik has to become a part of our daily lifestyle. That is our target," Fitria Wandiningtyas, the Lawe Association's public relations officer, said.
She said the Lawe Association had been in the frontline of activities to save traditional weaving.
Through its business activities, the Lawe cooperative produces lurik craftwork using traditional handlooms, not modern machines.
"Many weavers stopped working because their products were boring and did not sell, so we are trying to revive the craft by producing new things," Fitria said.
Before starting production, the Lawe cooperative carried out research to determine the ideal products and searched for the latest designs.
The weavers have been trained to form a network of workers to help change the way that society looks at traditional weaving.
The Lawe cooperative works within a system based on small home industries. The designs are constantly updated. They are well researched and subject to routine quality control.
The lurik is produced by craftspeople that are spread from Mount Kidul in Bantul to Sleman and Kulonprogo.
Since the products are made in home-based industries, the craftspeople do not have to leave their household duties and can remain creative and productive.
The various products marketed by the Lawe cooperative can be seen in the gallery it owns in a section of the Amri Yahya Museum in Gampingan, Yogyakarta. Although the Lawe Association has an office in the Bugisan area in Bantul, the museum display is more about supporting activities that help preserve weaving traditions.
Traditiional way: A man makes striped woven material or lurik in Kulon Progro, Yogyakarta.
Traditional way: A man makes striped woven material or lurik in Kulon Progro, Yogyakarta.
The Lawe cooperative's products follow the latest trends and colors, from bags, laptop bags and handbags to fashion belts and unique necklaces. The Lawe cooperative also produces various things to decorate home interiors.
Tablecloths and curtains made from lurik material create the impression of a home with a hint of traditional style in its interior decor. Other products like pillowslips, cushions, spring beds and decorated lamps make rooms feel cosy with an ethnic touch.
The Lawe cooperative also produces office products such as pencil boxes, magazine racks and many more. It also accepts orders for giveaway kits to be used at seminars or as souvenirs.
Prices for the Lawe cooperative's products vary and are reasonable. For wedding souvenirs, the prices start at Rp 5,000 (45 US cents) per item. For laptop bags and handbags, the prices start from Rp 16,000 through to Rp 40,000. For shopping bags the price can reach Rp 850,000.
Fitria said the Lawe cooperative's goal was to make lurik trendy while reviving and conserving the tradition.
Anindyah, the head of the Lawe Association explained further.
"By producing many things from lurik, we hope to share the beauty of lurik."
Article : "House of Lawe on The Jakarta Post!"
source : (http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/02/27/lurik039-future-looms-bright.html)
* Photos by Tarko Sudiarno
