Sumbanese people Kanatang domain, Sumba, Indonesia
Man’s cloth [hinggi kombu] early 20th century
cotton, dyes; warp ikat, band weaving
249.0 x 93.0 cm
Conserved with the assistance of Sam Dixon
Acquired through gift and purchase from the Collection of
Robert J Holmgren and Anita Spertus, New York, 2000

This textile was in very good condition except for a large area of loss along the band of the upper border (possibly due to rodent activity). As this was the edge the textile would be displayed from, the area required repair. A patch of fabric of similar weave and fibre was attached with reversible, archival adhesive film to the reverse side of the damage to provide support to this area. Loose threads around the damaged area were secured with fine couching stitches. Due to the striped pattern in this area, a plain patch would be very noticeable, drawing the eye away from the design. Rows of stitches, simulating the stripes of the band were added to the patch to ensure it blended with the overall design
of the textile. (Conserved by Micheline Ford)