Nusantara: Six Centuries of Indonesian Textiles

Celebrating the largest collection of Indonesian textiles in the Western Hemisphere

The Yale University Art Gallery is pleased to present Nusantara: Six Centuries of Indonesian Textiles, a sweeping exhibition that celebrates the elaborate textile heritage of Indonesia and explores the ancient interisland links found in this vast maritime region. Presenting more than 100 examples of unparalleled craftsmanship and artistic innovation, the exhibition offers a singular opportunity to dive deep into the cultural and historical significance of one of the finest collections of Indonesian textiles in the Western Hemisphere.

The wide array of textiles from the 14th to the 20th century displayed in the exhibition are drawn from the Gallery’s holdings. Central to the Gallery’s Department of Indo-Pacific Art, the textile collection boasts approximately 1,200 examples from Indonesia and Sarawak (Malaysia). Significant pieces include over 600 textiles originally acquired by Robert J. Holmgren and Anita E. Spertus, later presented to the Gallery by Thomas Jaffe. This group features weaving from maritime Southeast Asia, where textiles are not just artistic creations but serve an important role in ceremonies and rituals. They also embody gender roles and social status, reflecting the wearer’s identity and heritage.

The Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Sulawesi hold an important place within the Gallery’s collection, counting more than 200 and 100 examples each, respectively. The remainder of the collection encompasses textiles from regions throughout Indonesia, showcasing the country’s rich cultural diversity.

Indonesia has historically been at the crossroads of major trade routes, resulting in a blend of Indigenous and foreign influences. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Indonesian textiles began to show the Influence of Indian designs. The impact of Chinese and later Islamic cultures is also evident, yet these borrowed motifs were transformed into distinctively Indonesian traditions.

From the original name for the Indonesian archipelago, Nusantara: Six Centuries of Indonesian Textiles offers an unprecedented opportunity to view the full range of rich imagery and technical mastery of this remarkable art form.

Exhibition Credits

Exhibition made possible by Hunter Thompson, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Robert Lehman, B.A. 1913, Endowment Fund. Organized by Ruth Barnes, the Thomas Jaffe Curator of Indo-Pacific Art, with the assistance of Arielle Winnik, the Donna Torrance Assistant Curator of Indo-Pacific Art.