DecortypeTextiles & Embroidery › Strip-Weave & Bark Cloth

Batak ulos & Toraja cloth

Southeast Asia tradition · 4 examples · indicative market tier: Under $500 (entry level & living craft)

Ulos is the traditional tenun fabric of the Batak people of North Sumatra in Indonesia. The ulos is normally worn draped over the shoulder or shoulders, or in weddings to ceremonially bind the bride and groom together. Ulos are traditionally hand-woven. Wikipedia →

Types & examples

Batak Ulos as Fashion
Batak Ulos as Fashion
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Tenun Ulos Batak Pulau Samosir
Tenun Ulos Batak Pulau Samosir
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ceremonial cloth (ulos) from Batak, Indonesia, Honolulu Museum of Art, 5099.1
Ceremonial cloth (ulos) from Batak, Indonesia, Honolulu Museum of Art, 5099.1
Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Schouderdoek Ulos rujat, AK-MAK-1742-84
Schouderdoek Ulos rujat, AK-MAK-1742-84
Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Where to buy

1stDibsHigh-end antiques & design marketplaceBrowse listings → LiveAuctioneersAggregated live auctions worldwideBrowse listings → InvaluableAuction-house listings & price archiveBrowse listings → Christie'sMajor-auction results & upcoming salesBrowse listings → EtsyLiving artisans & vintage dealersBrowse listings → eBayBroad secondary market — vet sellers carefullyBrowse listings →

Each link opens a live, image-rich search for this craft on that marketplace. Listings rotate constantly; authenticate significant pieces independently — attribution quality varies widely outside museum collections.