beadwork

Indonesia is a large archipelago situated between Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. The location and the diverse natural resources prompted cultural contact, along with influences from both India and China, but despite these interactions, many native cultures and traditions remain largely intact in Indonesia. The earliest glass beads in Indonesia came from Chinese and Indian traders. Glass beads are considered to be heirlooms in many Indonesian cultures, and they hold great importance for their owners. Europeans who wanted to control the Indonesian spice trade (the Portuguese were the first to reach the islands) began to import large numbers of glass seed beads into the region in the 16th century, and beadwork was incorporated into Indonesian arts and crafts. These goods were used in ritual and ceremonial events, along with traditional food, music, and costume, becoming part of the customs of various cultures. One event that often involved beadwork goods in Indonesia was the wedding. Baskets, such as those shown here, were filled with gifts, often of food or cloth, and were presented to the newly married couple. These baskets, which are covered with glass seed beads and shells, are beautiful receptacles for such gifts. They are of various sizes, and the imagery of the decorative motif, including a butterfly (97.6.2) and a sunburst (97.6.1), combines Western and Sumatran themes of protection, guidance, and remembrance. The largest basket (97.6.3) displays the tree of life, symbolizing rebirth, which is often found in Indonesian art. Today, these wedding baskets are no longer fashionable, and they are used infrequently.