Definition
The word batik, pronounced batek in Javanese, means “wax written” and this is basically what batik is. The word batik comes from the word ambatik which means to write or to dot on a cloth using a manual wax-resistant dyeing technique. Traditional Javanese batik, especially from Yogyakarta and Solo, has special meanings which are rooted in the Javanese conception of the universe. During special ceremonies, such as weddings, you can determine the social class or lineage of a person by the batik that he or she wears.
History
The exact origins of batik are unknown; however, it is most common on the island of Java in Indonesia. Batik can be traced back to the Majapahit Kingdom Era in Central Java and was used only for the King's family clothes. The practice continued to the Mataram Sultanate Era. Then, Yogyakarta, Solo, Pekalongan, Rembang, Semarang, and Tegal became centers of batik production. They are called Kampung Batik (“Batik Centers”).
In Java, batik was considered as belonging to aristocratic families. Certain designs that identify family and social status were based mostly on bird and flower motifs. These designs were a sign of culture and refinement. Most of these designs have survived until today. It is also believed that certain patterns have special meanings and will bring the wearer good luck, wealth, prosperity, health, etc.
Eventually batik became available for public fashion. It then spread from Central Java to other areas such as West Java (Cirebon, Garut, Ciamis, Tasikmalaya), East Java (Madura, Ponorogo, Sidoarjo) and outside of Java (Aceh, Bengkulu, Padang, Jambi, Gorontalo, Papua). Each area has its own batik art characteristics.
Fabricated and Handmade Batik
Batik is a fascinating craft but many people hesitate to try because the old process is tedious and time-consuming. There are two types of batik production, which are based on the quality of art work. They are fabricated batik and handmade batik (batik tulis halus).
Fabricated batik is made by a factory in mass production and is inexpensive. It is the most common type of batik in Indonesia.
Fine quality handmade batik is very expensive. The production of such work is very limited and made by special order. It requires great skill and both sides of the cloth are ornamental. It takes several months to make this kind of batik.
To make handmade batik, you need high quality cloth, canting (a wax pen), wajan (small wok made of iron), dyes (traditional colors: indigo, dark brown, and white, made of natural leaves and ingredients). Since it requires skill and experience, there are many short courses to learn how to create handmade batik easily and at a low cost. You can find them almost everywhere in Indonesia.
Finding Batik
In Indonesia, you will find many batik stores and factories. Batik is available in many colors, patterns and has the actual scent of batik.
Batik also has spread to India, China, Malaysia, Europe and Africa. It has become a skill and art of many great cultures. Batik is becoming more and more popular around the world. You can find it being used to make many different items such as shoes, bags, paintings, furniture, masks, etc.
UNESCO Declaration
According to the Jakarta Post, Monday, September 7, 2009, by Erwida Maulia:
Minister Aburizal Bakrie, on behalf of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said "Batik is regarded as a cultural icon with its own uniqueness. It contains symbols and deep philosophy, including human's life cycle - and it was submitted by Indonesia as a non-material element of cultural heritage to appreciate the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)."
Sources
Fraser-Lu, Sylvia. 1986. Indonesian Batik: processes, patterns, and places. Singapore: Oxford University Press.
Siska Hendrawati - Dear readers, I am originally from Indonesia.I was born in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.I used to be a teacher at some ...
