A rare man's ceremonial shoulder cloth, "Ulos pinunssan", cotton with supplementary weft decoration, Simalungun, Batak; and another ceremonial shoulder cloth, gold-wrapped thread songket on cotton ground, (hole), 19th century, Batak people, Sumatra. Pinunsaan is one of the two most important in the Batak hierarchy of ikat cloths. Ulos have male and female endings and are central in bridal exchanges. They are ascribed protective powers against physical danger such as illness. Seers would read the future in their patterns, shamans prescribed weaving or wearing one as a cure for unexplained afflictions. Size 1: 78" x 44". Size 2: 60" x 33" .

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