Iban natural dyed woven textile

Pua’ means ‘blanket’ and ‘kumbu’  means ‘to cover’ thus it is a ceremonial blanket. Tying or the more well known term ikat, used throughout the Indonesian archipelago, is also recognised in Iban as kebat. For the technique of weaving, the Iban weavers practise the tie and dye resist technique, and dye using natural ingredients. 

The pua’ kumbu’, patterned ceremonial woven blanket, has a prominent role in Iban rituals used for many purposes: to protect, to erect a barrier or to decorate a space. During major gawai (ceremonies), pua’ kumbu’ are hung to decorate the communal ruai (gallery).

Nowadays, Iban woven textiles serve not just as ceremonial blankets but are also worn as shawls and tailored as beautiful fashionable clothes. However, only selected motifs and designs can be worn. Other more potent designs remain only as sacred ceremonial blankets.