Tenun Gringsing - Dekranas Indonesia

Summary

The video explores the origins and intricate craftsmanship behind the traditional Balinese Gringsing cloth from Tenganan village. It traces the cultural connections between Bali and India, highlighting similarities in weaving techniques and rituals. The process of creating Gringsing cloth involves multiple stages such as spinning cotton, dyeing with natural colors, and detailed patterning. The cloth's three main colors—red, black, and yellow—symbolize fire, water, and air, respectively, representing the balance of vital elements. The video emphasizes the importance of preserving this heritage and the role of women in sustaining the tradition.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍🔬 In 1978, a Swiss scientist named George conducted DNA research in Tenganan, Bali, discovering that the local bloodline resembled that of people from Calcutta.
• 🌏 The scientist suggested that the ancestors of the Tenganan people likely came from India, particularly Orissa, where double ikat weaving is practiced.
• 👗 A couple from Orissa brought a Patola cloth with a pattern similar to the traditional Tenganan Pegringsingan cloth, linking the two cultures.
• 🧵 The process of making Gringsing cloth begins with spinning cotton into threads, soaking them in a mixture of candlenut oil and water for 42 days, and then air-drying them.
• 🌿 The threads are then dyed with natural colors: blue from indigo leaves, yellow from candlenut oil, and red from the root of the Morinda tree.
• 🎨 Gringsing cloth typically features three main colors: red (symbolizing fire), black (water), and yellow (air), representing the balance of the three vital elements of life.
• 🍃 The cloth’s patterns often depict plants and animals, promoting the message of preserving nature and maintaining the balance between humans and the environment.
• 👩‍🧑‍ There is a special ritual for weaving Gringsing cloth in Tenganan, which women, especially those who are menstruating, cannot participate in due to traditional beliefs.
• 🏛 The best collection of Gringsing cloth can be found in Basel, Switzerland, and many books have been written about this unique fabric.
• 🌍 The preservation of the Gringsing tradition, and the message of balancing life’s elements, should not only be the responsibility of the Tenganan people but also of the global community.

Q & A

Who is George, and what research did he conduct in 1978?

George is a Swiss scientist who conducted DNA research in the village of Tenganan in 1978. His findings indicated that the blood of the people in Tenganan had similarities with the region of Calcutta, India.

What is the significance of the village Tenganan in the context of this research?

Tenganan is significant because George's research suggested that the people of Tenganan might have ancestral roots in India. This is supported by the similarities in blood and cultural elements, such as textiles, found between Tenganan and Orissa, India.

What evidence links the village of Tenganan to Orissa, India?

The evidence includes the discovery of similar textile patterns between Tenganan and Orissa, particularly the Patola cloth from India, and an annual ritual in Orissa called 'Fadliyah,' which further supports the connection.

What is the process of creating the Gringsing cloth in Tenganan?

The process starts with spinning cotton into thread, soaking it in a mixture of kemiri oil and water for 42 days, then drying it. The thread is dyed with natural colors from indigo leaves for blue and a mix of kemiri oil, noni root, and kepundung bark for red and yellow. The threads are repeatedly washed and dried before weaving.

What are the primary colors used in Gringsing cloth, and what do they symbolize?

The three primary colors of Gringsing cloth are red, black, and yellow. Red symbolizes fire, black represents water, and yellow stands for air. Together, they signify the balance of these three vital elements in life.

What is the significance of the patterns found on Gringsing cloth?

The patterns on Gringsing cloth often depict plants and animals, symbolizing the importance of preserving nature. The cloth serves as a reminder to maintain harmony between humans and the environment.

Why is the creation of Gringsing cloth considered important in Tenganan?

Creating Gringsing cloth is a cultural tradition passed down through generations in Tenganan. It is a vital part of their heritage, and women are expected to carry on this tradition, with certain rituals and restrictions surrounding the practice.

Are there any restrictions on who can participate in the creation of Gringsing cloth?

Yes, women who are menstruating are not allowed to participate in activities related to the creation of Gringsing cloth, according to traditional customs in Tenganan.

Where can one find a significant collection of Gringsing cloth outside of Indonesia?

A substantial collection of Gringsing cloth can be found at the Basel Museum in Switzerland, and numerous books have been written on the subject, highlighting its cultural importance.

What broader message does Gringsing cloth convey to the world?

The Gringsing cloth carries a message about the importance of maintaining balance among the three vital elements—fire, water, and air—not only for the people of Tenganan but for the world. It encourages efforts to preserve this balance for a healthy life and environment.