Batak myth tells that Lake Toba is the centre of the Earth and that the Batak are descendants of the first humans. The Toba Batak people live on Samosir Island and around the shores of Lake Toba.
Weaving is still a vital and important part of the Batak way of life. Making Ulos was done with very simple tools and traditional. Ulos weaving done by the women under his house. Traditional Toba Batak Ulos ( cloth ) is hand made on a body tension ( back strap ) loom using hand dyed thread. Natural dyes are used in combination with commercial dyes. Twinning and braiding are techniques specifically used by the Batak. Woman are the traditional weavers, children and men assist in twinning and spooling.
(Click for larger image). Photo: Johnny Siahaan (2008). Source: Flickr
Often villages produce only one or two Ulos designs, slight variations are seen between weavers. Some pieces have limited availability.
Ulos has to be carefully given to others, as they have different purposes. For instance, Yeast Hotang Ulos is given for those who are less successful, with the hope that the good Lord would bless them. Ulos Sibolang also often used in Batak traditional funeral rites. Then, Ulos Sadum is often used for custom wedding party Batak tribes.
Batak people are proud of and cherish their own personal Ulos and weaving traditions.
Source: Indonesia Cultures ;